tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29132144115079940572018-01-22T13:53:21.540-05:00The UkaholicJohn Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-8452429448758589952018-01-22T13:52:00.002-05:002018-01-22T13:53:21.549-05:00What The Heck IS This?Greetings, friends -<br /><br />It's been a long while.&nbsp; If you're still out there, here's a couple of bits of news...<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.buckandaquarterquartet.com/" target="_blank">Buck and a Quarter Quartet</a> is performing four shows in February in Manhattan and all over Brooklyn, including Pete's Candy Store, Red Room, SISTERS Bklyn and Jalopy Theatre and School of Music.&nbsp; We'll have some great guests at these venues; to find out who (you'll know when we know), then just follow our schedule on our <a href="http://www.buckandaquarterquartet.com/tour/" target="_blank">website</a> or via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Buckandaquarter/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, or sign up for our mailing list <a href="http://www.buckandaquarterquartet.com/contact/" target="_blank">here</a> if you'd like to get two emails a month from me.<br /><br />It's kind of pointless to describe music, but we are often asked what kind of music we play. "What IS this exactly?" we're asked at nearly every show these days, mostly in a positive, curious way.<br /><br />We haven't really got an answer, so I turn to you.&nbsp; How would you describe this kind of music? What category is it in?&nbsp; None of the answers we give - i.e. traditional jazz, hot jazz, vintage pop, etc. seem to satisfy our questioners.<br /><br />Here are a few recent videos to get you thinking...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KH-y14TYTx4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KH-y14TYTx4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>That's our friend, the amazing Kat Edmonson, singing "Deed I Do".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/r9pU-5TnrRk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r9pU-5TnrRk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>"When I Take My Sugar to Tea," one of our signature numbers.&nbsp; I get to play uke on this one; I say "sorry" on this to the poor couples dancing off camera...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CKgThbbM7LY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CKgThbbM7LY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>John Gill plays this lovely old chestnut..."Someday Sweetheart".<br /><br />Our own bass player Brian Nalepka puts forward the idea that we're a skiffle band that plays tunes a skiffle band wouldn't normally play.&nbsp; That seems logical, but I'm still interested in your take.&nbsp; Please, let me know in the comment section.<br /><br />Until my next post, keep on strummin'!John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-20664370305278159982016-02-28T23:07:00.002-05:002016-02-28T23:08:07.071-05:00I'm Going Back To My Dreams<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFF2WymWABM/VtO-rEcfTjI/AAAAAAAABf8/RxOGLcB8sck/s1600/Buck%2Band%2Ba%2BQuarter%2BQuartet%2Bat%2BJimmy%2527s%2Bno.%2B43%2BJan%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFF2WymWABM/VtO-rEcfTjI/AAAAAAAABf8/RxOGLcB8sck/s320/Buck%2Band%2Ba%2BQuarter%2BQuartet%2Bat%2BJimmy%2527s%2Bno.%2B43%2BJan%2B2016.jpg" width="320" /></a>In my last entry more than a year ago, I posted a video of an original Christmas tune I'd written the year before.&nbsp; Seems like my output has slowed to an annual crawl, but in fact, I've never been busier, thanks to our band, the Buck and a Quarter Quartet.&nbsp; Playing music of the 20s and 30s, we're now doing about four gigs a month, and since I'm playing clarinet, saxophone and tenor banjo, there hasn't been a lot of time for me to play ukulele, let alone post about it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />But, I have been writing over the last year and have about a dozen songs.&nbsp; This is one of them, "I'm Going Back to My Dreams".&nbsp; Writing it took me back to dealing with that sinking feeling dealt by a less than true (now ex-) girlfriend and the curious elation you get (at least I did) when trying to keep your spirits up by retreating into fantasy.<br /><br /><a href="https://soundcloud.com/jnobianchi/im-going-back-to-my-dreams" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/jnobianchi/im-going-back-to-my-dreams</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3Bxp4lOsVFA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Bxp4lOsVFA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br /><br />I also did a short video of the chorus, no verse - as I wasn't yet happy with the verse at the moment I recorded this.&nbsp; With two teenage daughters and a dog living in my two-bedroom apartment, my videos always get recorded wherever I can find a quite spot.&nbsp; It isn't always a great looking spot, though!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Just so you know, I recorded the SoundCloud file not on a uke, but instead, playing a 1928 Gibson TG-0 tenor guitar.&nbsp; Tenor guitars were the music industry's answer to the question, "what should tenor banjoists play during the ballads that were becoming increasingly popular by the late 20's?"<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WayOtO59_QM/VtPDAbVrcHI/AAAAAAAABgU/HrIT_z3k0OI/s1600/oflhmi0ansoa6ynvpsf3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WayOtO59_QM/VtPDAbVrcHI/AAAAAAAABgU/HrIT_z3k0OI/s320/oflhmi0ansoa6ynvpsf3-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />The Gibson looks a lot like a big uke. When I play this little guitar at gigs, I occasionally get asked if its a bass ukulele.&nbsp; In the You Tube video, I'm playing Prince Wong's Martin style 2 standard uke. <br /><br />Any road, I hope that you enjoy this song, and I'll record a few more of the originals I'm finishing up soon.&nbsp; Until then, keep on...John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-84863661112267907712015-01-07T14:19:00.000-05:002015-01-07T14:19:05.073-05:00Happy New Year - The Holiday CreepHappy New Year to those still following this infrequently posted blog. I hope that you had as good a holiday as I had!<br /><br />I hate to recycle old material, but in keeping with the burgeoning green economy, I'm re-doing last year's Christmas song. I don't think I did such a hot job on the recording you might have seen on the blog from last year, so here's a newer, pared-down version of a tune I wrote called "The Holiday Creep".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/vDcZHx3-t_Q/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/vDcZHx3-t_Q&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/vDcZHx3-t_Q&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br />Based on the kind reaction from several friends whose opinion I trust, I may post more of the many songs I've written, but haven't had the stomach to share with you before this. &nbsp;Thanks friends and you know who you are... &nbsp;:)<br /><br />News to report: my band, the Buck and a Quarter Quartet, starts 2 residencies this month,<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGSdmnCnI4o/VK2GMF68a_I/AAAAAAAABR4/0xLcytxeUbg/s1600/10881566_10153442508834112_6215839692563649306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGSdmnCnI4o/VK2GMF68a_I/AAAAAAAABR4/0xLcytxeUbg/s1600/10881566_10153442508834112_6215839692563649306_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />The first at <a href="http://freddysbar.com/" target="_blank">Freddy's Bar</a> on 5th Ave and 18th Street in Brooklyn's South Park Slope area, where we play the second Friday of every month at 8-9 p.m. &nbsp;The second residency is at one of my favorite places to eat and drink, Jimmy's, which is at 43 East 7th Street, and we play there the last Thursday of every month, 9-12 p.m. We'll be joined there by special guests from the traditional jazz community.<br /><br />Now, you might say, "Hey, John, that's not a quartet." &nbsp;To that, I would reply, "Yeah. So?"<br /><br />Keep on strumming and Happy New Year!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-24553802884782671082014-08-16T15:32:00.001-04:002014-08-16T15:32:08.035-04:00"Why" Jelly Roll Morton<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/79UoRf5Tgs8" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />Not a lot to say about this number, learned from listening to Leon Redbone and Stovepipe Daddy. &nbsp;Try finding the music for this one, I dares ya.<br /><br />It's a tune I'm told is from 1938, though it feels like Jelly Roll Morton might have written it earlier, but not published it before then. &nbsp;Jelly Roll always used to make statements like "I invented jazz" and even though you have to figure a large ego was at work, when you take everything he wrote and recorded into account, he may actually be judged as correct. <br /><br />"Why?" is played in C, on Prince Wong's Martin Style 2 from the early 20's. &nbsp;By the way, the uke was stained dark by Prince Wong or someone on his behalf, in case you're wondering why it is nearly black.<br /><br />Enjoy, if possible.John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-91172802442031322832014-02-10T10:14:00.002-05:002014-02-10T10:15:45.695-05:00"That's Why They Call Me Shine"Written in 1910, lyrics by Cecil Mack and Lew Brown and music by Ford Dabney, "That's Why They Call Me Shine" became a jazz standard. Nowadays, it gets played a lot more than it gets sung.<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CAvo6MmD4jo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />The reason is pretty simple: it's hard to sing the lyrics. They are seemingly rooted in the 'coon song' tradition, and are full of the kind of references you associate with blackface performance, but it's actually not that simple a tune.<br /><br />For 1910, "Shine's" theme was a surprising one for popular music - it wasn't minstrelsy so much as a commentary on it, and it may or may not have been inspired by an incident in the NY City race riot of 1900.<br /><br />I haven't done the verse here, only the refrain, but I have the lyrics to both below from the original sheet music:<br /><br />Verse:<br />When I was born they christened me plain Samuel Johnson Brown<br />But I hadn't grown so very big, 'fore some folks in this town<br />Had changed it 'round to "Sambo"; I was "Rastus" to a few<br />Then "Chocolate Drop" was added by some others that I knew<br />And then to cap the climax, I was strolling down the line<br />When someone shouted, "Fellas, hey! Come on and pipe the shine!"<br />But I don't care a bit. Here's how I figure it:<br /><br />Refrain:<br />Well, just because my hair is curly<br />And just because my teeth are pearly<br />Just because I always wear a smile<br />Likes to dress up in the latest style<br />Just because I'm glad I'm livin'<br />Take troubles smilin', never whine<br />Just because my color's shady,<br />Slightly different, maybe<br />That's why they call me shine.<br /><br />The first time I heard the verse was back in 1980 or so when I bought Ry Cooder's excellent album "Jazz", which really is an amazing record.<br /><br />I love Remco Houtman Jensen's (Ukulelezaza's) take on this tune, and my approach is fully inspired by his fantastic version, here heard in a medley with "Five-Foot-Two". <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/S5Bmt3lvuw8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Both ukuleles are Ludwig Wendell Halls from the late 20's, a great instrument. Mine has been made even easier to play by the great repair work of Mamie Minch, who runs <a href="http://brooklynlutherie.com/">Brooklyn Lutherie</a> with Chloe Swantner. I recommend their shop highly for all your fretted instrument or violin repairs! John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-42617710914686530642013-12-24T21:54:00.000-05:002013-12-24T21:54:41.346-05:00Merry Christmas - The Holiday Creep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fa4SBEMUVBA/UrjKR17lLTI/AAAAAAAABC4/vZZVBrsTDEA/s1600/Santa.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fa4SBEMUVBA/UrjKR17lLTI/AAAAAAAABC4/vZZVBrsTDEA/s320/Santa.png" /></a></div>Happy holidays to you, if you're checking this before or during the big Christmas day-off. If you're like me, and God help you if you are, you celebrate a combination of Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule and Saturnalia, with heavy emphasis on the last one (ie. drinking, feasting, gift giving, the tree - all Saturnalia contributions, by the way), but instead of a slave, we traditionally sacrifice a couple of lasagnas.<br /><br />Speaking of tradition, I was immensely happy to have been included in Meg Reichardt and Kurt Hoffman's tradition. Meg and Kurt are the nucleus of <a href="http://www.leschaudslapins.com">Les Chauds Lapins</a>, the truly wonderful banjo-uke focused sting quintet that plays the pop and jazz of of 1920s-1940's France. Every year, they host a holiday recording party in which Meg records an entire album of original holiday songs composed especially for that year's get together. Just take a look at who's on the album and you'll see I'm playing above my weight. <br /><br /><iframe style="border: 0; width: 350px; height: 470px;" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3493972020/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/notracklist=true/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://holidayrecordingparty.bandcamp.com/album/2013">2013 by Holiday Recording Party</a></iframe><br /><br />I had a great time and was truly honored to have been invited to join in on several songs, in addition to playing my own tune, "The Holiday Creep".<br /><br /><iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3493972020/size=medium/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/t=13/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://holidayrecordingparty.bandcamp.com/album/2013">2013 by John Bianchi</a></iframe><br /><br />Have a happy holiday, whichever one you celebrate, and do remember what they're really all about: hanging out with people you love, and eating and drinking just a little too much.<br /><br />~ JohnJohn Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-77746009504307804392013-12-17T14:05:00.002-05:002013-12-20T18:43:32.056-05:00The Joy of Plastic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNSxLqgIm3o/Uq5y01MXleI/AAAAAAAABBg/Qr03QpSwZRQ/s1600/Betty+with+Uke.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNSxLqgIm3o/Uq5y01MXleI/AAAAAAAABBg/Qr03QpSwZRQ/s400/Betty+with+Uke.png" /></a></div>Wow. Wait a minute! Is that...? Yes, it really is! <br /><br />A Flamingo! <br /><br />OK, perhaps I wouldn't be as excited about this little plastic Flamingo ukulele if it weren't for the fact that Ms. Page is holding it en déshabillé, but there are plenty of people out there right now, after seeing this, who are excited by...plastic ukuleles, God help them.<br /><br />This particular instrument is a molded styrene-plastic concoction, and these and millions like them were inspired by or built by guitar designer and maker Mario Maccaferri. They were produced in the fifties, and surprisingly, they aren't junk - not by a longshot. I've got many friends who collect plastics, play them and will go to lengths to keep them playable (plastic has a tendency to degrade over time, and the top is sometimes in need of shoring up after decades of being under tension from the strings). They aren't rare, and there are many kinds, but the best are those built by Maccaferri: the Islander and the TV Pal. They're real instruments, fun to play, and certainly unique in sound.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MD10vvly-XA/UrCaGgseD2I/AAAAAAAABCY/fQvlwrg44Ug/s1600/TV+Pal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MD10vvly-XA/UrCaGgseD2I/AAAAAAAABCY/fQvlwrg44Ug/s400/TV+Pal.jpg" /></a></div>For years, I'd been told that the other popular plastic uke of the 50's, the Mastro TV Pal, was the main competitor to Maccaferri's Islander range. Nope. They are both Maccaferris, as evidenced by the identical bridge and saddle construction, headstock, neck, fretboard and just about everything else about them. Turns out that Mastro is the name of the company that did the injection molding of the Maccaferri TV Pal instrument (a company in which Maccaferri had a controlling interest). Earlier models don't say Mastro on them, but they were also molded by Mastro. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bCsg37bXaS8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />Whether they said Mastro on them or not, Maccaferri still got the lion's share of the between $2.70 and, later, $5.95 that they cost the American suburbanite. A pretty good value, regardless of the material of construction. Here's me playing a TV Pal at Rivington Guitars last year. It sounds...well, pretty good, even if I don't!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9k0kwzdBGQ/UrCZOaBf27I/AAAAAAAABCQ/Ed6mzn0o__M/s1600/Arthur-Godfrey-recording.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9k0kwzdBGQ/UrCZOaBf27I/AAAAAAAABCQ/Ed6mzn0o__M/s320/Arthur-Godfrey-recording.jpg" /></a></div><br />And it turns out that the name 'TV Pal' is a tribute to Mr. Maccaferri's TV pal - the fellow who endorsed his instruments on his coast-to-coast broadcast in the early 50's - Arthur Godfrey. Most of you will know that Godfrey was the popularizer of the baritone uke, a new instrument at that time. He also played tenor banjo in Chicago tuning, and rumor has it, he wasn't a very nice man. My grandmother - not very nice herself - loved him, for what that's worth. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDx6TpU7ZKI/UrB_0RTv-0I/AAAAAAAABCA/DG_Dn4YnuyU/s1600/Arthur+Godfrey+Flamingo.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDx6TpU7ZKI/UrB_0RTv-0I/AAAAAAAABCA/DG_Dn4YnuyU/s400/Arthur+Godfrey+Flamingo.jpg" /></a><br />Here's another uke Godfrey endorsed - The Flamingo, though slightly different from Betty's above. This one is fitted with a Maccaferri device - with Godfrey's name right on it - the patented 'uke player,' which allows you to play six chords with just the press of a button. Like the Maccaferri, the Flamingo was manufactured in durable 'Styron.' The Flamingo was the chief competitor to Maccaferri's plastics. I've never played one, so can't vouch for its qualities.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRCdekwgRt0/UrCbMBaK-YI/AAAAAAAABCk/IKaiaARxy04/s1600/Baritone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRCdekwgRt0/UrCbMBaK-YI/AAAAAAAABCk/IKaiaARxy04/s320/Baritone.jpg" /></a></div>Apparently, sopranos aren't the only ukes that Macaferri made. Here's my friend Chris Tarman, who is a great player and has some amazing ukuleles, with an excellent view of his ultra-rare Macaferri Islander baritone ukulele. Note the amazingly helpful cut out that allows the player to fret the uke right up to the sound hole! Macaferri also offered a TV Pal baritone uke, in addition to the soprano.<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/D11ONDURZzM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/n3-WtNIjOvc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />So, it turns out that while the prop person over at Irving Klaw's photographic establishment on West 14th probably just went out and got the cheapest ukulele they could find for Betty, they picked one of a type that has become oddly collectible, very playable and certainly the object of much affection. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ks2QNlorXbQ/Uq8TrnoembI/AAAAAAAABBw/zrrnLsOl2W4/s1600/betty+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ks2QNlorXbQ/Uq8TrnoembI/AAAAAAAABBw/zrrnLsOl2W4/s400/betty+page.jpg" /></a></div>Still, as nice as it is, I find it very easy to look past the neat little plastic ukulele in these photos. I wonder why?<br /><br />Hmmmm... I'll think about that one upon closer study...John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-34515548642850904762013-12-07T17:18:00.001-05:002013-12-07T17:18:20.920-05:00Waiting at the End of the RoadIf you know Patsy Monteleone, you already know how great a player and singer he is. &nbsp;If you don't, you're in for a treat.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/36bOm_vM2bE" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />Patsy recorded this as a tribute to Brian Newman, a friend of ours from the Ukulele Cosmos, who passed away earlier this year and whose birthday would have been today.<br /><br /><br />John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-62750580664317388902013-12-05T11:12:00.001-05:002013-12-11T23:16:41.363-05:00"Golden Gate" Gibson UB-5 Banjo Ukulele<br />Since last month, I've been playing a good deal, first Ben Mealer's and my little trio, "The Three-Quarter Quartet", both at Sonic Uke's Halloween Ukulele Cabaret and then at the Jalopy Theater, and with "Amity Rose &amp; the Dead Cowboys" at Joe Silver and Suzy Savoy's "Ukulele Rumble" and again this Saturday, 10 PM at the Vagabond Cafe on Cornelia Street in NYC. &nbsp;And, next Friday, again with the 3/4 Quartet at the Holiday Ukulele Cabaret at Jimmy's No. 43, 7pm on East 7th Street, with more holiday stuff coming up.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/p8_B0wJd0kA" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />I haven't done a lot of videos lately, but here's one from just a couple of days ago - A 1928 number that was a hit for Al Jolson, written by him, Billy Rose, Dave Dreyer and Joseph Meyer. &nbsp; A fun number to sing and play, and - as I just got my Gibson UB-5 back from being repaired at TR Crandall Guitars - I though this would be a good opportunity to hear this instrument.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWm8kr2jRY/UqCitlq4ZlI/AAAAAAAABAA/bTMgMycltGY/s1600/UB-5+front.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWm8kr2jRY/UqCitlq4ZlI/AAAAAAAABAA/bTMgMycltGY/s320/UB-5+front.png" width="141" /></a></div>Here are a few photos of what was the top-of-the line of Gibson's banjo ukulele range of instruments. &nbsp;This 1926 UB-5 is my favorite uke for a couple of reasons.<br /><br /><br />In terms of sound, its not like the Abbott and Ludwig banjo ukes, which are more lightly built and which have a flange and pot that are integrated and made of cast alloy. &nbsp;The Gibson is heavier, and the pot is a laminated ring, very much the same as the pot on the basic UB-2/UB-3 ukuleles. &nbsp;Coupled with a metal - I think brass - flange and a full walnut resonator, the Gibson UB-4/UB-5 and UB2 Deluxe/UB-3 Deluxe are HEAVY. &nbsp;However, with that brass tone-ring, the sound of the UB-4/UB-5 is anything but heavy. &nbsp; If anything, its mellower than other Gibsons, and reminiscent in tone (and very similar in hardware) to their Mastertone line of banjos.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm no Gibson scholar, but I can tell you that despite the weight, this is the best playing instrument I have and certainly the best uke I've played.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3TGZfVIBiBs/UqCjGhOTdbI/AAAAAAAABAI/Bwau6IAouJw/s1600/UB-5+Vellum.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3TGZfVIBiBs/UqCjGhOTdbI/AAAAAAAABAI/Bwau6IAouJw/s320/UB-5+Vellum.png" width="238" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I'm the second owner of this particular uke, and at some point in the 40's, the uke met with an accident and lost a section of the resonator rim on the player side. &nbsp; you can't really see the rim in this picture (you can see it better in the above shot), but the crack, which I just had glued closed, doesn't effect the sound at all.<br /><br /><br /><br />In addition, over the years, the gold plate has worn away in places leaving the flange green in places and worn and grainy all over. &nbsp;Either you hate this and have to have it re-plated, or you look upon this as original condition and would never touch it. &nbsp;Me, I fall into a third camp: is it rusting and does it need repair? &nbsp;If - as in this case the answer is, so far, "no," then I don't touch it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBLIIY8LGwE/UqCkf6ljYnI/AAAAAAAABAg/l7sUhIwOn8Y/s1600/Headstock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBLIIY8LGwE/UqCkf6ljYnI/AAAAAAAABAg/l7sUhIwOn8Y/s200/Headstock.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />Gibson really pulled out the stops on the UB-4 and UB-5's decoration, but it's always tasteful. &nbsp;The UB-4 is identical except that it's overall nickel-plated, not gold.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6ZtHB2ogoo/UqCpTJ13rtI/AAAAAAAABA0/mjSvKDGpb_E/s1600/Tuners.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6ZtHB2ogoo/UqCpTJ13rtI/AAAAAAAABA0/mjSvKDGpb_E/s200/Tuners.png" /></a></div><br /><br />On the UB-5, even the barrel tuners that Gibson seemed to use on everything are gold-plated. &nbsp; So are the Presto tailpiece and the little screws that hold the resonator firmly in place.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgOoSs0ok4E/UqCpeor6zlI/AAAAAAAABA8/11LeBAHH_mw/s1600/UB-5+Back.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgOoSs0ok4E/UqCpeor6zlI/AAAAAAAABA8/11LeBAHH_mw/s320/UB-5+Back.png" /></a></div><br />Though the finish is gone in several places on the resonator back, I like the worn, non-flashy look of this UB-5. <br /><br />You can see the fellow who originally owned it played the heck out of it and never left it sitting in it's case, which you have to like in an instrument that has retained its characteristic sound. <br /><br />Played and cared for to a degree, but not babied.<br /><br />See you next time...<br /><br /><br />John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-34061371406112488202013-10-31T22:41:00.001-04:002013-11-03T22:21:24.414-05:00Stromberg-Voisinet Aero Uke and Rose Banjo Uke, and Harmony Roy Smeck Vita-Uke <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xi76YLYjg2c/UnMD-ORsl9I/AAAAAAAAA8g/jb1VhOf7g8s/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xi76YLYjg2c/UnMD-ORsl9I/AAAAAAAAA8g/jb1VhOf7g8s/s320/IMG_1042.JPG" /></a></div><br />It's my birthday Monday. 50; one of the big birthdays, the kind you get a good present for instead of socks and a book. My family gave me a 1924 Gibson L-Junior guitar. A great gift, but to make room for it, I'm going to have to sell a couple of ukuleles. I just sold this extraordinarily nice Harmony Roy Smeck "Vita-Uke".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKsYVAVlmr4/UnMC6rXZXDI/AAAAAAAAA8A/SoP1R2hWd3w/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKsYVAVlmr4/UnMC6rXZXDI/AAAAAAAAA8A/SoP1R2hWd3w/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />The uke had one minor problem - a dent in the back - plus a replacement bridge, but the tone was excellent and it reminded me of a Martin uke. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-357eFirSjGo/UnMEUFXLSnI/AAAAAAAAA8o/yHoW3kWUfGc/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-357eFirSjGo/UnMEUFXLSnI/AAAAAAAAA8o/yHoW3kWUfGc/s200/IMG_1044.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwtwc021M1c/UnMEnt-W_WI/AAAAAAAAA8w/a1gX2eeG2MA/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwtwc021M1c/UnMEnt-W_WI/AAAAAAAAA8w/a1gX2eeG2MA/s200/IMG_1052.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QCgQIa4jrc/UnME85JzDuI/AAAAAAAAA84/TBp6OteUozs/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QCgQIa4jrc/UnME85JzDuI/AAAAAAAAA84/TBp6OteUozs/s200/IMG_1054.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />From the triple black, white and tortoiseshell top binding to the trained-sealion soundholes, Harmony really did a wonderful job back in the 20s and 30s.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaYfmlNZCUM/UnMPw8bO4WI/AAAAAAAAA9s/DX-4MxbiMhM/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaYfmlNZCUM/UnMPw8bO4WI/AAAAAAAAA9s/DX-4MxbiMhM/s320/IMG_1020.JPG" /></a></div>The other uke I'm selling to make room for the guitar is a Stromberg-Voisinet Rose. I've never posted pictures of it here, but I've taken a few so that you can see the top of the line S-V ukulele before it sells on eBay.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9kYJJv6Bz8/UnMJcsn7sBI/AAAAAAAAA9E/pQQJ6gPVoNQ/s1600/IMG_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9kYJJv6Bz8/UnMJcsn7sBI/AAAAAAAAA9E/pQQJ6gPVoNQ/s400/IMG_1019.JPG" /></a></div><br />Note the pearloid (or mother-of-toilet-seat) facing on the headstock and fretboard, which contrasts interestingly with the mother-of-pearl position markers, making them look silver in comparison to the milky color of the fretboard.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1t8zMoXUNY/UnMJ-FKwhrI/AAAAAAAAA9M/gCsl_pcMydk/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1t8zMoXUNY/UnMJ-FKwhrI/AAAAAAAAA9M/gCsl_pcMydk/s320/IMG_1024.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8y5ht60_dg/UnMPGPPE9EI/AAAAAAAAA9c/pQcgob2ucGs/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8y5ht60_dg/UnMPGPPE9EI/AAAAAAAAA9c/pQcgob2ucGs/s200/IMG_1025.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ax0nEkz-BX0/UnMPUALWpXI/AAAAAAAAA9k/CVlF319UBv0/s1600/IMG_1023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ax0nEkz-BX0/UnMPUALWpXI/AAAAAAAAA9k/CVlF319UBv0/s200/IMG_1023.jpg" /></a></div><br />Also note the rose decal and other typical Stromberg-Voisinet design features, including the purfling on the pot and the five-piece neck and the three-pointed, scrolled headstock always found on S-V ukuleles. <br /><br />That headstock comes into play in identifying the next uke...<br /><br />Finally, here is one I never owned, but it bears mentioning that it is an AMAZING design and this is in fact a Stromberg-Voisinet ukulele. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFzPVvBS7pw/UnMTdTu3CJI/AAAAAAAAA-U/Wn4Mj-hvqqI/s1600/Aero+full+shot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFzPVvBS7pw/UnMTdTu3CJI/AAAAAAAAA-U/Wn4Mj-hvqqI/s400/Aero+full+shot.png" /></a></div><br /><br />The "Aero-uke" as its known is constantly mis-identified as a Harmony product. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F1hfYoHS0g/UnMTq_LixnI/AAAAAAAAA-c/IhMEf4gFQQQ/s1600/Aero+back.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F1hfYoHS0g/UnMTq_LixnI/AAAAAAAAA-c/IhMEf4gFQQQ/s320/Aero+back.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you follow this blog at all and have seen the dozens of examples of S-V ukes with this exact headstock and neck, then you recognize the instrument's origins and know that this is a Stromberg-Voisinet product. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDyquAl85lk/UnMTzUyeO2I/AAAAAAAAA-k/fG2_dY8mMD0/s1600/Aero+from+top.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDyquAl85lk/UnMTzUyeO2I/AAAAAAAAA-k/fG2_dY8mMD0/s320/Aero+from+top.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Of course, that said, you've never seen any other ukulele like this one, and those "jet-engine" soundholes sure are unique. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6f7-6JWT7U/UnMSp8keRKI/AAAAAAAAA-A/cwtnR256YGg/s1600/Aero+headstock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6f7-6JWT7U/UnMSp8keRKI/AAAAAAAAA-A/cwtnR256YGg/s320/Aero+headstock.png" /></a></div><br />Of course, this is the only S-V instrument I can think of that actually has a rudder attached to the headstock!<br /><br /><br />Several of you have pointed the "family resemblance" of the Aero-uke to me over the last few months, and I'm glad to be able to put this one in the right family. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_lB3ysNpNvA/UnMS76yGANI/AAAAAAAAA-I/DO2tAD8SZeQ/s1600/Aero+bottom.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_lB3ysNpNvA/UnMS76yGANI/AAAAAAAAA-I/DO2tAD8SZeQ/s320/Aero+bottom.png" /></a></div>Here's a shot from of the carved tailpiece and, well, propeller, I guess!<br /><br /><br /><br />And - after I wrote this draft, look what I found online. Proof positive that this is a Stromberg Voisinet. Thanks to folks who saved these old ads!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAHHdcbzTgQ/UnMSdbILX8I/AAAAAAAAA94/d6Cu8WU1JPo/s1600/Aero-uke+ad.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAHHdcbzTgQ/UnMSdbILX8I/AAAAAAAAA94/d6Cu8WU1JPo/s400/Aero-uke+ad.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Anyway, that's all for now. Happy Halloween!<br />John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-29008623152878810322013-10-21T23:29:00.001-04:002013-10-21T23:29:06.654-04:00"So Long Oolong How Long You Gonna Be Gone?"Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby wrote dozens of satirical or downright silly songs during the golden era of Tin-Pan Alley's heyday. &nbsp;I do several of their tunes, including "Father's Day" a song they wrote for Groucho Marx (they wrote several for him, including "Lydia the Tattooed Lady") and "The Sheik of Avenue B", a parody of "The Sheik of Araby" that they wrote for Fanny Brice.<br /><br />This tune is clearly a mild parody of Madame Butterfly, but it's a thin little piece of fluff that doesn't need to be analyzed, just played.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Qnk4De5U2Z4" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />A quick thought on the subject and it's treatment, though. &nbsp;It has a mildly racist approach, but that's typical of what was a far more unapologetically racist time, the 1920's. &nbsp;And when you come down to it, this tune isn't even remotely malicious, so I wanted to do it. &nbsp;However, I don't know that I'd feel comfortable playing "Ma is Playing Mah-Jong".John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-4738493418360695912013-10-14T23:40:00.001-04:002013-10-14T23:41:39.371-04:00Your First UkuleleIf you play ukulele (and I'm assuming if you're reading this, you do), you had a first instrument. Maybe it was a good ukulele, more likely it wasn't. Perhaps you sold it off, or maybe you still enjoy playing it.<br /><br />Here's the latest installment of our round-robin blog project; this time, we're focused on our first ukuleles, what kind they were, and what we've learned and how we might approach the uke differently since <a href="http://circuitsandstrings.wordpress.com/2013/10/13/my-first-ukulele-four-bloggers-share-their-experience/">we first started playing</a>.<br /><br />And while we're on the subject, here's a photo of what my first ukulele looked like, a K. Yasuma ukulele from Japan. It was a great sounding instrument, and I've read in a few places that Yasuma was sued by Martin for copying their designs and brand pretty much exactly. I don't know if this is true or not, but I'd also read that Yasuma lost the suit and was ordered to stop making and selling these instruments (guitars and tiples as well as ukes), and that many of the instruments were destroyed. Either way, you can't find Yasumas nowadays, which is too bad. It was a great ukulele~! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUPRGAzgWeA/Uly4FYITF6I/AAAAAAAAA7M/8xY06EB1bPQ/s1600/K.+Yasuma.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUPRGAzgWeA/Uly4FYITF6I/AAAAAAAAA7M/8xY06EB1bPQ/s320/K.+Yasuma.png" /></a></div>John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-68262300146494267552013-07-06T01:29:00.001-04:002013-07-07T08:29:30.501-04:00Four Uke Bloggers on Creating Original ArrangementsFor this entry, four ukulele bloggers are contributing original arrangements for you to try. For this installment of our "carnival blogging", I asked four of my fellow bloggers to take a melody they knew and build their own chords to create an original arrangement, supplying us with a video and a lyric and chord sheet. I think the result is really instructive and I hope that you enjoy it!<br /><br />--------<br /><br /><b>First up, me. I chose a tune that Bing Crosby recorded in 1932 called "I'll Follow You".</b> <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5oWV2cM2Gw/UbKnUnkd9eI/AAAAAAAAA3s/3vr3_fhDLMA/s1600/Bing.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5oWV2cM2Gw/UbKnUnkd9eI/AAAAAAAAA3s/3vr3_fhDLMA/s320/Bing.png" />Bing Crosby</a><br /><br />I started by figuring out the melody, then adding very basic chords. Once I got those first two steps down, I decided to add some interest to the arrangement by combining melody and chords in an introduction, adding turnarounds between verse and refrain and also between phrases, and creating "walking" patterns (where we change chords by literally descending one note in each chord by a half-step).<br /><br />Here's the resulting video <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AfTcwDQ9bds" width="459"></iframe> and here's the chord sheet if you want to play the tune and work up your own variations: <br /><br />I'LL FOLLOW YOU<br />Fred E Ahlert (m) Roy Turk (l) 1931<br /><br />(F) Life was as (Bbm) sad as could (F) be, dear,<br />(Dm) Till you came (Am) into my (Dm) heart.<br />(Edim7) Life now is (A7) heaven to (Dm) me, dear,<br />(Gm) No-(Gm[Maj7])-thing can (Gm7) keep (Bbm) us a-(C7)-part, (C+) so;<br /><br />(F) Anywhere on earth you may (C#7) go,<br />(Dm6) (G7) I'll (Gm7) follow (C7) you.<br />(F) Through the rain or over the (C#7) snow,<br />(Dm6) (G7) I'll (Gm7) follow (C7) you.<br />(Gm) No sea could be too (Bbm) wide,<br />(F) I'd cross the great (C#7) di-(D7)-vide<br />(G7) Just to be at your side,<br />My (Gm7) dar-(C7)-ling.(G7) (C7)<br /><br />(F) Distance cannot keep us a-(C#7)-part,<br />(Dm6) (G7) I'll (Gm7) follow (C7) you.<br />(F) Sheltered by the love in my (C#7) heart,<br />I'll (D7) see it through.<br />(Gm) Wherever you may (Bbm) be,<br />(F) You can depend (C#7) on (D7) me,<br />(Gm) Un-(Gm[Maj7])-til e-(Gm7)-tern-(Bbm)-i-(C7)-ty<br />I'll follow (F) you. (Bbm) (F)<br /><br /><br /><b>Miles Ramsay of <a href="http://ukeonomics.com">UKEonomics.com</a> has contributed his arrangement and video of Randy Newman's "You've Got a Friend in Me":<br /></b><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPyuk_qTiiE/UbKnFhKh5-I/AAAAAAAAA3k/wCCkkeqgeCo/s1600/Buzz+and+Woody.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPyuk_qTiiE/UbKnFhKh5-I/AAAAAAAAA3k/wCCkkeqgeCo/s320/Buzz+and+Woody.png" />Buzz and Woody</a><br /><br />Here's the link to my video...<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=UU4xLrliyff6pDqiynLPDLcA" width="425"></iframe><br />...and here's the chords.<br /><br />(C) You've got a (G+5) friend in me (C) (C7)<br />(F) You've got a (Cdim) friend in me (C) (C7)<br />(F) When the (C) road looks (E7) rough a (Am) head<br />And you're (F) miles and (C) miles from your (E7) nice warm (Am) bed<br />(F) Just rem (C) ember what your (E7) ole pal (Am) said<br />Boy, (D7) you've got a (G7) friend in (C) me<br /><br />(C) You've got a (G+5) friend in me (C) (C7)<br />(F) You've got a (Cdim) friend in me (C) (C7)<br />(F) You've got (C) troubles. (E7) I've got 'em (Am) too<br />(F) There isn't (C) anything I (E7) wouldn't (Am) do for you<br />(F) We stick to (C) gether, we can (E7) see it (Am) through<br />Cause (D7) you've got a (G7) friend in (C) me (C7)<br /><br />(F) Some other folks might be a (B7) little smarter than I am<br />(C) Bigger and (G+5) stronger (C) too (C7)<br />(B7) But none of them will (A9) ever (Fdim) love you the (Em) way I (A7) do<br />It's (D7) me and (G7) you, boy<br />(C) And as the (G+5) years go by (C) (C7)<br />Our (F) friendship will (Cdim) never die (C) (C7)<br />(F) You're gonna (Cdim) see it's our (C) des (E7) tin (A7) y<br />(D7) You've got a (G7) friend in me (C) (A7)<br />(D7) You've got a (G7) friend in me (C) (A7)<br />(D7) You've got a (G7) friend in me (C) (A7)<br /><br /><br /><b>And here's "Maybe" by Thom Pace, arranged and performed by FriendlyFred of <a href="http://uke4u.com">uke4u.com</a><br /></b><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHw_Weyzp08/UbKlq7MEarI/AAAAAAAAA3U/qJlg46uEP0Q/s1600/Grizzly+Adams.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHw_Weyzp08/UbKlq7MEarI/AAAAAAAAA3U/qJlg46uEP0Q/s320/Grizzly+Adams.png" />Dan Haggerty and Ben</a><br /><br />Remember Ben the Bear?<br /><br />Yes, that was the TV-series “The Life And Times Of Grizzly Adams“. Here's my instrumental rendition of the theme song by Thom Pace.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LN-83tBalbE" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />Download lyrics and chords <a href="https://www.box.com/s/z3eb8mmvk3o5nfljljku">here</a>. <br /><br />It sounds better with low 4th than reentrant tuning.<br /><br />I played it in dropped D tuning ( D G B D' ).<br />Just tune the first string of your baritone ukulele 2 tones down.<br />You find the chords for the song in this tuning <a href="https://www.box.com/s/d6u0vpvvwt6l2kz06zi1">here</a>.<br /><br />Cheers FriendlyFred (<a href="uke4u.com">uke4u.com</a>)<br /><br /><br /><b>And here's Daniel Hulbert's take and arrangement of "Spangle".<br /></b><br />This song was written by The Wedding Present for the album "Watusi" (1994). I first heard this song from a cover on the album "Singles" (2000) by Jimmy Eat World. <br /><br />Watch on YouTube <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0UkM41awWOc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> or via this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UkM41awWOc">link</a><br /><br />Chords Used<br /><br />B♭ Gm B♭sus4 F Fadd9 Gsus2 <br />3 3 3 2 0 0 <br />2 2 3 0 0 2<br />1 3 1 1 1 3<br />1 1 1 0 0 0<br /><br />Intro/Chorus<br />B♭ --> Gm B♭ --> Gm (Use little finger to hammer-on the 3rd fret of the "E" string on the B♭ to Gm transition)<br /><br />B♭ B♭sus4 B♭ (Use little finger to do three pull-offs on the "C" string on the B♭sus4 to B♭ transition)<br /><br />Verse<br />B♭ F Fadd9 B♭<br />B♭ F Fadd9 B♭<br />B♭ F Gsus2 B♭<br />B♭ F Gsus2 B♭<br /><br />Ending<br />B♭ Gm B♭<br /><br />Daniel Hulbert - <a href="circuitsandstrings.wordpress.com">circuitsandstrings.wordpress.com</a><br /><br />That's it for this installment. Please follow Miles, Thom and Daniel - and our fifth partner, Ryan <a href="Ukuleleplay.com">ukulele play.com</a>, who wasn't able to join in this time.<br /><br />Until next time, keep on strummin'.<br /><br />JohnJohn Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-776539984287635662013-02-16T22:59:00.000-05:002013-05-15T12:35:15.986-04:00What Is This Uke?In December, I bid on a small banjo ukulele on eBay with a resonator back and perloid lamination on the fretboard and headstock. No vellum, bridge or strings, and - alas - no name. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cji3tdWa3Hg/USBI85Mn2FI/AAAAAAAAA0I/vFlf9Lmy0-M/s1600/IMG_0583.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cji3tdWa3Hg/USBI85Mn2FI/AAAAAAAAA0I/vFlf9Lmy0-M/s320/IMG_0583.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So, what IS this ukulele? Well, there are a couple of clues. First, there's that headstock...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2igB8dst9Q/USBJQ33wkpI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/-HayYrUYTA8/s1600/IMG_0582.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2igB8dst9Q/USBJQ33wkpI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/-HayYrUYTA8/s320/IMG_0582.jpg" />Dallas & Sons?</a><br /><br />I think it DOES look like John E. Dallas & Sons. There's really no other company headstock that looks exactly like this. The most similar - Gibson - is not proportioned quite like this. And yet, nothing else on this ukulele looks like a Dallas...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbetE4czO9o/USBKadZBSRI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/7mePf3hDs5g/s1600/IMG_0584.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbetE4czO9o/USBKadZBSRI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/7mePf3hDs5g/s320/IMG_0584.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLble1GTHsA/USBKb5QaiYI/AAAAAAAAA0g/8kU8y8pZHkU/s1600/IMG_0586.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLble1GTHsA/USBKb5QaiYI/AAAAAAAAA0g/8kU8y8pZHkU/s320/IMG_0586.jpg" /></a><br /><br />...for example, there's the pot and resonator, which are both encircled in purfling. IT looks like an American-made ukulele.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYcoIXo3nXI/USBLOI1YnDI/AAAAAAAAA0o/w7KGE4Qwj8U/s1600/IMG_0592.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYcoIXo3nXI/USBLOI1YnDI/AAAAAAAAA0o/w7KGE4Qwj8U/s320/IMG_0592.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Lgc5Gh3w28/USBLSilMbKI/AAAAAAAAA0w/UYZ_j5BsT3E/s1600/IMG_0585.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Lgc5Gh3w28/USBLSilMbKI/AAAAAAAAA0w/UYZ_j5BsT3E/s320/IMG_0585.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And then there's the resonator, which is attached in a manner that's typical of several American brands, most notably Slingerland, Lyon & Healy, and J.R. Stewart. But, this instrument really doesn't look like any of those, and as you can see here, it doesn't look like a Stromberg-Voisinet, which typically uses a chromed recessed cup for the attachment screw.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YrlE5dccSOw/USBMu8SnmwI/AAAAAAAAA04/ySOdp2znCHQ/s1600/IMG_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YrlE5dccSOw/USBMu8SnmwI/AAAAAAAAA04/ySOdp2znCHQ/s320/IMG_0591.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then again, the purfling, the screw attachment, the pearloid laminate and even the painted faux ebony binding look a lot like what Stromberg Voisinet became in 1931 - Kay. You may remember that Kay used identical binding on their early banjos and we saw an identical resonator attachment screw on the back of a Kay- or Stromberg-Voisinet-built Wizard in an entry I posted more than a year ago on Wizard Ukuleles.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2KJUmdifvw/USBPaSxD46I/AAAAAAAAA1M/O3WjJVKqJgA/s1600/IMG_0590.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2KJUmdifvw/USBPaSxD46I/AAAAAAAAA1M/O3WjJVKqJgA/s320/IMG_0590.jpg" /></a><br />Then, there's this: to keep up with customer demand, John E. Dallas & Sons imported more than 3,000 Kay-built instruments in 1930s; most of those instruments were guitars, but other instruments were included in the shipment, though they're not named in the source material I've found. <br /><br />And, this passage comes from the Jedson Guitar website <a href="http://home.roadrunner.com/~flask/jedson/about.htm"></a><br /><br /><i>"Dallas imported musical instruments from Germany, Italy, Czechoslovakia, and the USA (including Kay, Harmony, and Vega.) The Radiotone branded guitars appear to have been made in Czechoslovakia, although at least one model branded Radiotone was made by Kay in the USA..."</i><br /><br />In recent years, we've seen Slingerland-built instruments coming up for sale on eBay with with UK seller's marks on them. Perhaps - and it's just a theory as I've never seen more than one of this particular ukulele - perhaps Kay built instruments to meet Dallas's specifications, which included recreating the Dallas headstock to keep some brand integrity?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBNIGhOqO_U/USBPX9FSIMI/AAAAAAAAA1E/EAcRW-HUjWI/s1600/IMG_0589.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBNIGhOqO_U/USBPX9FSIMI/AAAAAAAAA1E/EAcRW-HUjWI/s320/IMG_0589.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERiHHso3vQc/USBPbxhWLuI/AAAAAAAAA1U/NtKX8TCIF_Y/s1600/IMG_0588.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERiHHso3vQc/USBPbxhWLuI/AAAAAAAAA1U/NtKX8TCIF_Y/s320/IMG_0588.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This is just a guess as to who made and sold this particular ukulele, and it seems to match the facts, but only just. You might have noticed that the resonator is split and it turned out that the resonator back came off in shipping, and the neck turned out to be completely warped and unplayable. And so, back to the seller it went, sadly.<br /><br />If anyone reading this has more definite information, or a plausible explanation as to who built this ukulele, please let us know. Until then, keep on strummin'.<br /><br /><br />5-17-13: An UPDATE!<br /><br />Well - happy to say I think the mystery is solved.<br /><br />I always assumed that the above ukulele was intact. It isn't.<br /><br />I've found a photo of the same uke, but this one has the flange that was missing from the above example.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-68-Smqn7K_8/UZO42n35qqI/AAAAAAAAA3E/F9ZBk02F8p8/s1600/Harmony.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-68-Smqn7K_8/UZO42n35qqI/AAAAAAAAA3E/F9ZBk02F8p8/s320/Harmony.png" /></a><br /><br />And that flange tells us this was a Harmony. And that makes sense, as we know that Harmony was one of a handful of firms that supplied Dallas with instruments.<br /><br />So, I'm glad to be wrong, and also, I'm *very* glad that I sent back the uke to the seller.<br /><br />OK, next up a post on a Stromberg Voisinet rarity and some sheet music and other cool stuff to follow that.<br /><br />See you later!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-81938785333803146222012-12-17T11:52:00.001-05:002013-01-12T18:49:51.788-05:00William Lange & Co., Part II<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaBynKjCTyM/UM6mzixxx2I/AAAAAAAAAsA/ekxchoSDWiE/s1600/Avalon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="128" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaBynKjCTyM/UM6mzixxx2I/AAAAAAAAAsA/ekxchoSDWiE/s320/Avalon.png" /></a></div><br />Just getting ready for two holiday performances this week; tonight (Monday) I'm playing uke and singing with Margaret Gianquinto for her "Old Fashioned Christmas" evening at <a href="http://zirzaminnyc.com">ZirZamin</a>, and on Friday, I'm playing with Patsy Monteleone at the Ukulele Cabaret at <a href="http://jimmysno43.com">Jimmy's 43</a>. There are a lot of Christmas tunes involved... as 'tis the season.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWPCV-YLEQU/UM6rsKtViiI/AAAAAAAAAtg/qCBUxa0jdDY/s1600/Bruno.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="136" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWPCV-YLEQU/UM6rsKtViiI/AAAAAAAAAtg/qCBUxa0jdDY/s320/Bruno.png" /></a></div><br />So, as much for me as anyone else, I need to cleanse my palate and talk about something that isn't Christmas related for a few minutes. Warning - this post is 'geekier' than normal...<br /><br />Back in September, I wrote about the different lines offered by the New York City-based William Lange and Co.; Lange, Lange Solo, Banner Blue, White Swan, and Langstile. All of these lines, with the possible exception of the White Swan (which seems to have been limited to one or two models), seems to be complete lines of ukes, with modest flush-backed resonator models, open resonator and flanged resonator models topping the ranges. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bh4CyiSH2ck/UM6nuLxkJhI/AAAAAAAAAsY/iklerq5XeLY/s1600/Avalon%2Bheadstock%2Bsmall.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="204" width="124" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bh4CyiSH2ck/UM6nuLxkJhI/AAAAAAAAAsY/iklerq5XeLY/s320/Avalon%2Bheadstock%2Bsmall.png" /></a></div><br />But, Lange also made instruments for other manufacturers, notably Bruno NY and Vernon for Bruno, Henry Stadlmair's Avalon, Montgomery-Ward's Concertone, Wizard, Sears's Supertone, Blue Boy, El Beco, Tourraine, and others. Looking at a few, you'll see some definite Lange signature marks.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUBc0egWLso/UM6n1FuE6RI/AAAAAAAAAsk/AY1onALBKcg/s1600/Avalon%2BHeadstock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="151" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUBc0egWLso/UM6n1FuE6RI/AAAAAAAAAsk/AY1onALBKcg/s320/Avalon%2BHeadstock.png" /></a></div>Avalon - Henry Stadlmair & Co. at 117-117 East 23rd Street was founded as an importer of foreign-made instruments and a retailer of domestic-made instruments. They specialized in guitars, Weissenborn Hawaiian guitars and other stringed instruments, and eventually, when the uke craze hit, they started selling ukes and banjo ukuleles under the name "Avalon" - one of which is at the top of this entry. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlcBTnhStSE/UM6oBZvuw0I/AAAAAAAAAsw/phdhvQKnAaE/s1600/Avalon%2BDowel.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="131" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlcBTnhStSE/UM6oBZvuw0I/AAAAAAAAAsw/phdhvQKnAaE/s320/Avalon%2BDowel.png" /></a></div><br />Some of these were made by Slingerland and perhaps others, but the vast majority of those you'll see with this imprint are Lange-made instruments. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Md-kvHKHJfg/UM6oLVCeTXI/AAAAAAAAAs8/kGB9BnSGtmE/s1600/Avalon%2Bface.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="144" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Md-kvHKHJfg/UM6oLVCeTXI/AAAAAAAAAs8/kGB9BnSGtmE/s320/Avalon%2Bface.png" /></a></div><br />Basic, open-backed models, they do appear in some nice finishes for an inexpensive instrument, with green and aquamarine two-tone finishes often appearing, besides the more common blond and black. They follow a very basic Lange design seen used by other retailers and brands.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oI_7PPO-ZTM/UM6nXln0RrI/AAAAAAAAAsM/G4Q3w-u1PcI/s1600/Larger%2BP%2527mico%2BBreen%2BModel.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="289" width="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oI_7PPO-ZTM/UM6nXln0RrI/AAAAAAAAAsM/G4Q3w-u1PcI/s320/Larger%2BP%2527mico%2BBreen%2BModel.png" /></a></div>P'MICO - the "Progressive Musical Instrument Company of NY" P'MICO didn't make their own instruments. Lange made this one for the company, which was their May Singhi Breen signature model. Note it's nearly identical to the Avalon above and the Bruno below; the difference is that it has a closed back with grommeted "Portholes" on the sides of the pot...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QDRALBSmQM/UM6p2zHWGLI/AAAAAAAAAtI/2zmQFhlaBXY/s1600/Bruno%2Bheadstock%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="163" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QDRALBSmQM/UM6p2zHWGLI/AAAAAAAAAtI/2zmQFhlaBXY/s400/Bruno%2Bheadstock%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />Bruno NY - Bruno, based at 351 4th Avenue in New York City, probably never made any banjo ukuleles; every time I've seen one with the Bruno stamp on it, it's clearly one that's been made by another manufacturer. Their Maxitone line are fun to play, and with their metal pots, they're pretty punchy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glzN6hUgA6g/UM6sZnC7ibI/AAAAAAAAAts/6Avpwa0Q8fc/s1600/Avalon%2BHeel.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glzN6hUgA6g/UM6sZnC7ibI/AAAAAAAAAts/6Avpwa0Q8fc/s320/Avalon%2BHeel.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Many of these seem to have been made by Chicago-based Richter and Co., though its possible that some which show headstock and pot variations come from other manufacturers. However, these photos of "Vernon", "Bruno", "Avalon" and "P'mico" headstocks side by side show the clear lineage of these brands as Lange-made. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCPcDPb3oiY/UM6qBwzLCYI/AAAAAAAAAtU/zCjb7yI02nU/s1600/Bruno%2Bheadstock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="140" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCPcDPb3oiY/UM6qBwzLCYI/AAAAAAAAAtU/zCjb7yI02nU/s320/Bruno%2Bheadstock.png" /></a></div><br />Also, note the identical neck and pot construction between the models, very similar to other ukes Lange built for other manufacturers, as you can see in the Avalons and Brunos above. You'll also notice that all of the ukes on this page, from Avalon above to Wizard below all have identical hardware in the pot, as well as shoes and hooks. All have 16 tension hooks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFDSrH40bs4/UM6toiuR26I/AAAAAAAAAuc/KgNUDo80pr4/s1600/VErnon%2BHeadstock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="151" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFDSrH40bs4/UM6toiuR26I/AAAAAAAAAuc/KgNUDo80pr4/s320/VErnon%2BHeadstock.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PX3Q3PXrY0/UM6tx4RewQI/AAAAAAAAAuo/NpBsLzZTjIw/s1600/Vernon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="126" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PX3Q3PXrY0/UM6tx4RewQI/AAAAAAAAAuo/NpBsLzZTjIw/s320/Vernon.png" /></a></div>Vernon - a line offered by Bruno NY, the Vernon is a virtually identical instrument to the Bruno, but it's more of a budget model, with no inlays and the nameplate actually tacked onto the headstock.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LBm0HrYcAY/UM6spVNh-iI/AAAAAAAAAt4/8UooIdH22Wk/s1600/LAnge%2Bmade%2BWizard.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="185" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LBm0HrYcAY/UM6spVNh-iI/AAAAAAAAAt4/8UooIdH22Wk/s320/LAnge%2Bmade%2BWizard.png" /></a></div>Wizard - Some bloggers and collectors believe this is a Lange-made design. There are a good number of these out there. While I'm not 100% sure these photos actually show a Lange-made instrument, I believe they do. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ8R3usBjoc/UM6s_9XW5gI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/yAkXRM3xIGE/s1600/Wizard%2Bby%2BLange%253F.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="108" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ8R3usBjoc/UM6s_9XW5gI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/yAkXRM3xIGE/s200/Wizard%2Bby%2BLange%253F.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />There's good reason to to think that it is a Lange. The Wizard model depicted above has no sound holes and an open back. But, the model in the multiple photo clearly has soundholes and it resembles the design of the P'mico above with side grommeted soundholes and a closed back. While the headstock isn't seen on other Langes the way the Avalon/Bruno NY headstock is, my vote is still for these being Langes. The only fly in the ointment is the slotted diamond frequently seen on Stromberg-Voisinet headstocks, but then again, you also see that diamond in the more ornate Lange-made fretboards, so it doesn't bother me that much. I agree that these ukes are Langes.<br /><br />And here's a uke that Simon Worthy put forward in our last entry, identified by the eBay seller as a Lange.. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqj12gI_Dt4/UM9C4VrG6qI/AAAAAAAAAvE/_ruz9M9riCc/s1600/Lange%2BeBay.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="172" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqj12gI_Dt4/UM9C4VrG6qI/AAAAAAAAAvE/_ruz9M9riCc/s320/Lange%2BeBay.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I didn't believe this was a Lange, with that slotted bezel ring and odd headstock. Were there designs put forward by Lange that have no relation to any other models or lines of Lange-made ukuleles?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64NvoOcbDI8/UM9E-gvse7I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/WfhK1dQX8oQ/s1600/Lange%2BEbay%2Bback.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="149" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64NvoOcbDI8/UM9E-gvse7I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/WfhK1dQX8oQ/s320/Lange%2BEbay%2Bback.png" /></a></div><br />Also - the resonator being attached by a button in the center back just doesn't seem to match what we see on every other Lange. The fretboard looks a bit like a White Swan's, but I felt pretty good that this wasn't a Lange.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNzFqqNuwR4/UM9FbybkazI/AAAAAAAAAvc/Y_5-NPNETy8/s1600/Ebay%2Bfretboard.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="83" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNzFqqNuwR4/UM9FbybkazI/AAAAAAAAAvc/Y_5-NPNETy8/s200/Ebay%2Bfretboard.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then Simon showed me this one. ID'd by the website as a Lange, I felt was VERY unlike any Lange I'd seen. Look at all that Pearloid and the shape of the resonator. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CtC2cJrSMrY/UM9FxV4VymI/AAAAAAAAAvo/5wlIh9wiZvc/s1600/German%2BLange%2Bfront.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="142" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CtC2cJrSMrY/UM9FxV4VymI/AAAAAAAAAvo/5wlIh9wiZvc/s320/German%2BLange%2Bfront.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Odd. But it is similar in the bezel ring to the one above, as you can see clearly here...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OL1FY58Zge4/UM9GRVzAkuI/AAAAAAAAAv0/5FZqyoRYnE0/s1600/Germsn%2BLange%2Bslotted.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="211" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OL1FY58Zge4/UM9GRVzAkuI/AAAAAAAAAv0/5FZqyoRYnE0/s320/Germsn%2BLange%2Bslotted.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And then, there is the clincher - the name "Lange" inlaid in the headstock - crudely, but distinctly. But what's with THIS headstock. Different from the one above and all others...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnLNEIvIxI4/UM9Gg5e1v6I/AAAAAAAAAwA/rYkO88kNyuM/s1600/German%2BLange%2Bheadstock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnLNEIvIxI4/UM9Gg5e1v6I/AAAAAAAAAwA/rYkO88kNyuM/s320/German%2BLange%2Bheadstock.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9meaSUX37MI/UM9HD_VYWxI/AAAAAAAAAwM/l6YiIP5tLEw/s1600/Lange%2Bmystery.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="335" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9meaSUX37MI/UM9HD_VYWxI/AAAAAAAAAwM/l6YiIP5tLEw/s400/Lange%2Bmystery.png" /></a></div>The whole thing was a puzzle and Simon and I have been going back and forth on this. Until now, I've remained unconvinced that this ukulele is a Lange. And then I found this one yesterday...<br /><br />This uke has the same strange, externally slotted bezel ring, which I'd never seen before, but which is present on both of the above examples. Also, the headstock is more like that we've seen on other Langes, but still not a standard Lange form.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zmHSnWgP5Y4/UM9HVbtdVaI/AAAAAAAAAwY/fNVT94_az8w/s1600/Lange%2BMystery%2Bheadstock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="167" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zmHSnWgP5Y4/UM9HVbtdVaI/AAAAAAAAAwY/fNVT94_az8w/s320/Lange%2BMystery%2Bheadstock.png" /></a></div>But, this last uke - with a very similar slotted bezel ring and pot, seems to lend weight to the idea that Lange made some very different, one-off or limited run instruments. <br /><br />The inlaid Wm. Lange in the headstock certainly seems to lay this one to rest. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And finally, a few more Lange-made ukes:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWMfcO6EBOM/UM9JPCcQfnI/AAAAAAAAAwk/2VKNJGGLO3Q/s1600/Blue%2BBoy%2Bfront.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="116" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWMfcO6EBOM/UM9JPCcQfnI/AAAAAAAAAwk/2VKNJGGLO3Q/s320/Blue%2BBoy%2Bfront.png" /></a></div><br />Blue Boy - Actually not an instrument manufactured on contract, but made by Lange as a Paramount sub-brand. Blue Boys have some variation in models, and can be resonator backed or open-backed, as in these photos. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWRSy2PFA44/UM9JZ8XRXXI/AAAAAAAAAww/utup7hr-gRc/s1600/Blue%2BBoy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="184" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWRSy2PFA44/UM9JZ8XRXXI/AAAAAAAAAww/utup7hr-gRc/s320/Blue%2BBoy.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The uke in this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrYGIaZm5V0">YouTube video</a> is missing its resonator, but you can see the attachment points. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7xrBZF_Uqc/UM9JifxQsaI/AAAAAAAAAw8/GoWSOgUQrGo/s1600/Orpheum.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="154" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7xrBZF_Uqc/UM9JifxQsaI/AAAAAAAAAw8/GoWSOgUQrGo/s320/Orpheum.png" /></a></div>Here's an Orpheum deluxe model...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEQkZjTXMSs/UM9JzYmglSI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Hylhcddrgfs/s1600/Paramount%2Bpresenatation%2Bmodel.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="193" width="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEQkZjTXMSs/UM9JzYmglSI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Hylhcddrgfs/s320/Paramount%2Bpresenatation%2Bmodel.png" /></a></div><br />And here's three shots of a "Super Paramount"...An AMAZING presentation model, which you can see on the headstock was a gift to the "King of Jazz" Paul Whiteman. That's his logo on the headstock; he was one of the few bandleaders to have a logo those days... And what do we find on the bezel - the clincher - the externally slotted bezel ring seen in the above one-off Lange models. OK, I'm happy to admit being wrong when the weight of evidence is so overwhelming. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RRbVUFcvdXw/UM9MENTNFEI/AAAAAAAAAxU/Y97syVVTBvI/s1600/Whiteman.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="364" width="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RRbVUFcvdXw/UM9MENTNFEI/AAAAAAAAAxU/Y97syVVTBvI/s400/Whiteman.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />In conclusion: Langes are mostly readily identifiable, fitting into several standard headstock shapes and pot designs, until they don't. The Orpheums, Paramounts, and the occasional odd Langes display an amazing variety and artistic flair, all with a high-level of craftsmanship. If you can find one in good condition - which isn't so often, sadly as they mostly offered low-to-mid-range, reasonably priced instruments, you may want to grab it. If you find one of their higher end ukes and you can afford what the seller is asking, pounce.<br /><br />I want to thank both the <a href="http://www.banjoukes.com/index.html">Banjo Ukulele Haven</a> and the comprehensive German site <a href="http://www.banjoworld.de/index.html">Banjoworld</a> for many of the photos I used in this post. They are great sites that provide a wealth of information and you should go visit them.<br /><br />That's all for now. If you got this far, you deserve a holiday gift. As I find additional examples of Lange-made ukes, I'll post them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aoL1StAZNCU/UM9MNya9YeI/AAAAAAAAAxg/GcwjLaB2KZk/s1600/Whiteman%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="155" width="376" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aoL1StAZNCU/UM9MNya9YeI/AAAAAAAAAxg/GcwjLaB2KZk/s400/Whiteman%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />Until then, keep on strummin'...John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-11386441454078106282012-12-06T00:51:00.002-05:002012-12-06T23:45:55.624-05:00Weathering The Last Two Months...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUVISaMfPAk/UMAwm91BITI/AAAAAAAAArg/zWptcdjeHbo/s1600/Sans%2BEnd%252C%2BDP%2Bstorm%2Baftermath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUVISaMfPAk/UMAwm91BITI/AAAAAAAAArg/zWptcdjeHbo/s320/Sans%2BEnd%252C%2BDP%2Bstorm%2Baftermath.jpg" /></a></div><br />Since I last posted, I've had two freelance contracts to finish up, a hurricane that did this to my next-door neighbor's house (another neighbor's house should be on the right, but it's now sadly in the Atlantic Ocean), a week-long blackout, a nor'easter, Halloween cancelled, Thanksgiving, a new cabaret premiere, and several job interviews. For someone without an official job, I'm a busy guy...<br /><br />Because of that, I've been quiet here since September. I have a second post on William Lange & Co. ukuleles yet to finish, but until then, here's three recordings <br /><br />The first is an impromptu duet of a favorite song of mine. This was played by my buddy Ben Mealer and me back in October: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk17oPu1d3Y">"If I Had You"</a><br /><br />The second and third were made two weeks ago by Daro Behroozi, with Daro on clarinet, Brad Lail on washboard and me on uke and vocal. As a trio, we don't have a name, but we recorded seven tunes on one afternoon, and it was a great deal of fun to play with these great musicians. I hope that you enjoy it: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/jnobianchi/im-confessin">"I'm Confessin' That I Love You"</a> and also <a href="https://soundcloud.com/jnobianchi/i-cant-give-you-anything-but">I Can't Give You Anything But Love</a>.<br /><br />Until next time...<br />John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-66314052946204687272012-09-01T02:47:00.002-04:002012-09-01T13:28:58.976-04:00New York's William Lange and Co.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6PJt1X_zPM/UEGIjsnzJhI/AAAAAAAAAk0/ZYT-UN30zKE/s1600/PAramount%2BC.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="206" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6PJt1X_zPM/UEGIjsnzJhI/AAAAAAAAAk0/ZYT-UN30zKE/s400/PAramount%2BC.png" /></a></div><br />Big three-day Labor Day weekend here allows me a little time to report on William Lange and Co. banjo ukuleles. This company, which was located in Manhattan in a few locations (it outgrew it's home several times) started life as Rettburg and Lange and by 1897, they purchased the Buckbee Banjo Company and specialized in banjos. By 1920, they had become William Lange & Co. and had moved to a factory located at 225 East 24th Street here in New York City. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZUQ_IltsNE/UEGJSC56I4I/AAAAAAAAAlM/xECpppNedZs/s1600/Paramount%2BMartin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZUQ_IltsNE/UEGJSC56I4I/AAAAAAAAAlM/xECpppNedZs/s320/Paramount%2BMartin.png" /></a></div><br />Lange was justly famous for creating the Orpheum and Paramount lines of banjos and other top-quality instruments. I was lucky enough to get to play two Paramount Style L resonator-backed guitars in the early 1980's at Eric Schoenberg's great shop in Cambridge - the Music Emporium. These were built for Paramount by Martin as flat-topped guitars with a large, wood-flanged and grommeted resonator back. They were crisp sounding, loud and clean, a real treat to play. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9kV7MBdQek/UEGIwYpZZQI/AAAAAAAAAlA/1ftajlglmK0/s1600/Paramount%2B1924%2BStyle%2BF.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9kV7MBdQek/UEGIwYpZZQI/AAAAAAAAAlA/1ftajlglmK0/s320/Paramount%2B1924%2BStyle%2BF.png" /></a></div>I believe that Paramount did not make many five-string banjos, and the fact that there are a more than a few conversions floating around shows how highly valued they are for their workmanship and ornament. As a dedicated four-string player, I can't say I'm in any way enthusiastic about five-string conversions.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So - onto Lange's banjo ukuleles. Unlike most manufacturers which specialized in one or two market segments, Lange offered everything from budget instruments to the very highest quality ukes. Like many other manufacturers, they created their own lines of instruments and also built for other brands. Let's start with their own model lines: Lange, Langstile, Banner Blue, White Swan and Paramount. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsPDiAo1mTA/UEGaJmtg2yI/AAAAAAAAAmE/3ntkwSJDaWU/s1600/Lange%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsPDiAo1mTA/UEGaJmtg2yI/AAAAAAAAAmE/3ntkwSJDaWU/s320/Lange%2B1.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Lange banjo ukes have some variation, but the basic model is pictured here. Stained walnut with an open, non-flanged, ivroid-bound resonator, featuring a back with painted rings. The pot has a chrome ring brace around the middle, and the 16 hexagonical shoes and tension hooks are fixed through this brace. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_uFHJNBn-jY/UEGaXlKBgvI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/kDmKecHUE94/s1600/Lange%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="152" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_uFHJNBn-jY/UEGaXlKBgvI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/kDmKecHUE94/s320/Lange%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />Small, brass, heart inlays dot the fretboard. The Lange uke headstock looks very much like their banjo headstocks. They're well-built, sturdy, slightly heavy instruments, very solidly made.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ84DDLbBUs/UEGdUP-sAdI/AAAAAAAAAnE/OA7kIpkm4wg/s1600/Lange%2BSolo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ84DDLbBUs/UEGdUP-sAdI/AAAAAAAAAnE/OA7kIpkm4wg/s320/Lange%2BSolo.png" /></a></div><br />A variation on the basic Lange is the Lange Solo.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4VUYmiuiJs/UEGfaKtkIBI/AAAAAAAAAno/EeT2YAVwFxM/s1600/Lange%2BSolo%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="84" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4VUYmiuiJs/UEGfaKtkIBI/AAAAAAAAAno/EeT2YAVwFxM/s200/Lange%2BSolo%2B1.png" /></a></div><br />The distinctive difference in the Lange Solo is a large, flanged version of the regular lange resonator, with a ring purfling that runs along the outer circumference of the resonator body.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0SFT8T_Cdg/UEGg1fYGv_I/AAAAAAAAAoA/HDf1icPpP7E/s1600/Lange%2BSolo%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0SFT8T_Cdg/UEGg1fYGv_I/AAAAAAAAAoA/HDf1icPpP7E/s320/Lange%2BSolo%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />The ukulele features 14 tension hooks, two less than the Lange model. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXN9cARHeX4/UEGg8LIAyuI/AAAAAAAAAoM/6GPSWkFhlTU/s1600/Lange%2BSolo%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXN9cARHeX4/UEGg8LIAyuI/AAAAAAAAAoM/6GPSWkFhlTU/s320/Lange%2BSolo%2B3.png" /></a></div>The resonator flange - with large, double-x-shaped cutouts - is also unique among Langes. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The uke's headstock follows the basic Lange pattern, but the MOP inlay with the extensive fleur de lys and the Solo badge, in addition to the varaition on the fretboard inlays - they're MOP dots, makes the instrument distinct from a basic Lange. By appearance, the solo looks to be a cut above that instrument.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wL9HBijMaMI/UEGggDBoCgI/AAAAAAAAAn0/mgEsDz43Bto/s1600/Langestile.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wL9HBijMaMI/UEGggDBoCgI/AAAAAAAAAn0/mgEsDz43Bto/s320/Langestile.png" /></a></div><br /><br />The Langstile seems to have been conceived as a cut above these two Langes and it is a very different design. The non-flanged resonator fits snugly - and the back-edge is bound in metal, uniquely among banjo ukes. Another model Langstile has a completely chromed resonator. Instead of 16 tension hooks, the Langstile features 24, and sports really elegant MOP fretboard and headstock inlay. The scale length is also nearly two inches longer than those on basic Langes and the Lange Solo, making Langstiles true 'longscale' ukes. Now, players are fond of calling these longscale ukes 'tenor' ukuleles, but they were never called that at the time and their tone is not very different from a plain old soprano ukulele. They are simply longer-scale instruments with potentially greater range, depending on the number of frets. And, the headstock is completely different from the Langes above, and the Banner Blue below, but it matches the White Swan uke, also seen below. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq73YN1a9k4/UEGpwM0JCEI/AAAAAAAAApw/BCtZJIaNTlQ/s1600/Paramount%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="274" width="152" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq73YN1a9k4/UEGpwM0JCEI/AAAAAAAAApw/BCtZJIaNTlQ/s320/Paramount%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />Paramount banjo ukes range from this basic model, which looks very much like a Lange with slightly more ornamentation, to a more ornate version.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-il3IvB5UEH4/UEGqBQhWEQI/AAAAAAAAAp8/yRLyn9TSkNk/s1600/Paramount%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="84" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-il3IvB5UEH4/UEGqBQhWEQI/AAAAAAAAAp8/yRLyn9TSkNk/s200/Paramount%2B1.png" /></a></div>This ukulele is different from other Langes in it's woodwork. Sandwiched heel, two triple pinstripes around the pot, a five-piece neck - all made out of contrasting woods which look like walnut, ebony and holly (or ivroid - its hard to say) and ivroid double-binding on the fretboard edges, this Paramount is definitely more ornate than the usual Lange. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48ipS_ZfVCw/UEGqRU5ebGI/AAAAAAAAAqU/0YdhC-jyKVQ/s1600/Paramount%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="99" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48ipS_ZfVCw/UEGqRU5ebGI/AAAAAAAAAqU/0YdhC-jyKVQ/s200/Paramount%2B3.png" /></a></div>But, with only 12 tension hooks and shoes (the lowest number offered on Lange products), and the basic, flush-backed resonator, this uke strikes me as disappointingly modest to be branded "Paramount". However, the more ornate version of Paramount banjo uke that I've seen makes up for this impression by featuring a large resonator and pearloid headstock. If only I had a photo to share with you.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTKpfhBth_M/UEGSBvDHQTI/AAAAAAAAAlo/HitFQ4MiMW4/s1600/White%2BSwan%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTKpfhBth_M/UEGSBvDHQTI/AAAAAAAAAlo/HitFQ4MiMW4/s320/White%2BSwan%2B1.png" /></a></div><br />Here's a White Swan headstock shot from Jake at the Wildwood Flower's great <a href="http://antebelluminstruments.blogspot.com/2012/04/c1925-lange-made-white-swan-banjo.html">website.</a> Also, a good group of photos of the White Swan from our friend David's great website, "The Banjo Ukulele Haven" <a href="http://www.banjoukes.com/Manufacturers/Lange/WhiteSwan.html">White Swan</a> As you can see, the White Swan follows the basic Lange/Paramount ukulele pattern of a pot with a chrome band that serves as the anchor point for the shoe and tension hook assembly. You can also see the typical open, non-flanged resonator common to several other Lange instruments. The difference is that the White Swan is overall painted white and it has intricate, twinned-swan mop inlays up and down the fretboard. Truly unique and distinctive looking, but I've never seen one in person.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1PJ5xaN6uwY/UEGkQKTuBMI/AAAAAAAAAoo/T5zLBVouHHo/s1600/Banner%2BBlue%2BAd.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1PJ5xaN6uwY/UEGkQKTuBMI/AAAAAAAAAoo/T5zLBVouHHo/s320/Banner%2BBlue%2BAd.png" /></a></div><br />Finally, here's an add for the Banner Blue. These come up for sale with some frequency, and, over time, the design changed drastically. It's Lange's most schizophrenic model. <br /><br />Here's a <a href="http://www.banjoukes.com/Manufacturers/Lange/BannerBlue.html">Banner Blue</a> from the "Banjo Ukulele Haven" site that looks just like a plain old Lange: clear finish, similar headstock, heart-shaped brass fretboard markers, 16 hooks and shoes, and a non-flanged overlapping resonator, with the typical Lange ring design on the back. Banner Blue is on the headstock in blue script - the only thing blue about it.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rwuugLMm24/UEGk0SVVggI/AAAAAAAAApA/vBfEs-TuxYY/s1600/Banner%2BBlue%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rwuugLMm24/UEGk0SVVggI/AAAAAAAAApA/vBfEs-TuxYY/s200/Banner%2BBlue%2B2.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Here's one that's frequently seen - the 16-tension-hooked pot is chromed metal, with cutouts, in addition to a flush wood resonator back with the typical Lange rings. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvNKKKCWdxY/UEGkdFLkanI/AAAAAAAAAo0/vbLKavpBSSU/s1600/Banner%2BBlue%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="134" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvNKKKCWdxY/UEGkdFLkanI/AAAAAAAAAo0/vbLKavpBSSU/s320/Banner%2BBlue%2B1.png" /></a></div>Despite the headstock and ornamentation features it shares with other Langes, this is essentially a totally different instrument from the previous model. Which came first? It's hard to say. Period ads can help explain it, but so far, I haven't found anything that sheds light on this question.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kx1XLNOGbjI/UEGmU3BOjdI/AAAAAAAAApM/zGmyANWjNn0/s1600/Banner%2BBlue%2Bresonator%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="154" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kx1XLNOGbjI/UEGmU3BOjdI/AAAAAAAAApM/zGmyANWjNn0/s200/Banner%2BBlue%2Bresonator%2B1.png" /></a></div><br />Here's another - very different - Banner Blue. This one has with a pot without the chrome ring brace - and the flanged resonator has unique star-shaped cutouts. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmIu0pmh-js/UEGonGOnJCI/AAAAAAAAApY/MtlO6ciSrrY/s1600/Banner%2BBlue%2Bresonator%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="104" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmIu0pmh-js/UEGonGOnJCI/AAAAAAAAApY/MtlO6ciSrrY/s200/Banner%2BBlue%2Bresonator%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />The overall painting scheme described for the White Swan is evident here as well - only this time, it's black or dark blue, depending on the example you see. When in the order of design did this model fall? I have no idea. With only 12 tension hooks, is it possible this is a junior model in the Banner Blue line, or just a variation in the model offering?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hNl33TL4go/UEGpb2li-1I/AAAAAAAAApk/eKgkA-SKUcU/s1600/Banner%2BBlue%2Bpearloid.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="144" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hNl33TL4go/UEGpb2li-1I/AAAAAAAAApk/eKgkA-SKUcU/s320/Banner%2BBlue%2Bpearloid.png" /></a></div><br />Finally, here's a Banner Blue with a chrome flanged resonator with circular cut-outs, 16 tension hooks AND a pearloid fretboard and headstock. I've seen multiple examples of all of the above models, but only one of this single, pearloid-decked model.<br /><br />That's it for now. We'll revisit Lange next time and run through those instruments made for other companies, such as Stadlmeier, Bruno, and others.<br /><br />Until then, have a great Labor Day and keep on strummin'.John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-38368343530288428932012-08-25T22:24:00.000-04:002012-09-01T14:13:44.971-04:00Update on Stromberg-Voisinet Auctions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uBVOfz8ApqE/UDlumqK47rI/AAAAAAAAAhc/8dmbI66npkw/s1600/Buster%2BBrown.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="205" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uBVOfz8ApqE/UDlumqK47rI/AAAAAAAAAhc/8dmbI66npkw/s400/Buster%2BBrown.png" /></a></div><br />August is my favorite month of the year. The horrible heat and humidity of July are over, and even though the days are getting noticeably shorter, the nights are cool and drier, and I take the banjo ukes out again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HC6vmW_ieRo/UDlvR3Z9hLI/AAAAAAAAAho/LqdDcREMgl0/s1600/Buster%2BBrown%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="155" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HC6vmW_ieRo/UDlvR3Z9hLI/AAAAAAAAAho/LqdDcREMgl0/s200/Buster%2BBrown%2B3.png" /></a></div><br />And speaking of banjo ukes, an auction just ended on eBay this week that's notable because it's the highest price I've yet logged for a Stromberg-Voisinet ukulele. This "Buster Brown" is the less ornate model, as you can see - no perloid, no fretboard binding and the simpler resonator back. As you can also see, some alteration has been made to the dowel, but for what purpose I can't imagine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHiqrD71dr8/UDlvb7fXoOI/AAAAAAAAAh0/RbgqTmrGaYo/s1600/Buster%2BBrown%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="149" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHiqrD71dr8/UDlvb7fXoOI/AAAAAAAAAh0/RbgqTmrGaYo/s200/Buster%2BBrown%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />This instrument just sold at the remarkable price of $600 USD. The last "Buster Brown" I saw that even approached this was one that moved earlier this year for $500 USD. Prior to that, all prices have been in the $250 to $400 range.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdF-LXaMifo/UDl0K1w3wPI/AAAAAAAAAiM/R5s0LtWAH9Q/s1600/Rose%2Bminus%2Bback.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdF-LXaMifo/UDl0K1w3wPI/AAAAAAAAAiM/R5s0LtWAH9Q/s200/Rose%2Bminus%2Bback.png" /></a></div><br /><b>"New" Models</b><br />There has been a recent flurry of Stromberg-Voisinets offered at online auction, and a few stand out. First, one "Rose" model has been offered six times over the last three months. It's missing its resonator and has had a bad head repair - attaching the head to the rim with shoe goo or similar. This will be fairly difficult to sell, but that hasn't stopped the owner from asking for $299 initially and then dropping to $199. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgEh2jTzOBA/UDl03JBHoYI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wPuBb-NEewc/s1600/rose%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="108" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgEh2jTzOBA/UDl03JBHoYI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wPuBb-NEewc/s200/rose%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />It is still available as of writing. I post this because instruments with missing resonators come up fairly frequently, and occasionally, we see S-V ukes with split resonators. It appears to be an uncommon, but definite flaw; resonators were made in two or three pieces, and occasionally, the glue dries out or stress cracks the instrument right along the join lines.<br /><br /><br /><br />Here are the two instruments worth noting from the last couple of months. Both are completely new models to me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ugtxWma_JAg/UDl7d4_qqLI/AAAAAAAAAiw/cPFpCO_PELM/s1600/Glee%2BClub%2BFront.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="92" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ugtxWma_JAg/UDl7d4_qqLI/AAAAAAAAAiw/cPFpCO_PELM/s200/Glee%2BClub%2BFront.png" /></a></div><br />The first is the "Glee Club" banjo ukulele - according to the seller, it was offered by Bruno, NY. By the 20's Bruno wasn't actually making any banjo ukuleles; they jobbed out their work to several companies, including Lange in New York and Richter in Chicago. Apparently, they also commissioned instruments from Stromberg-Voisinet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7W3VsLu5MA/UDl7nRg9dYI/AAAAAAAAAi8/JjuEqDolj4g/s1600/Glee%2BClub%2Bback.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="90" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7W3VsLu5MA/UDl7nRg9dYI/AAAAAAAAAi8/JjuEqDolj4g/s200/Glee%2BClub%2Bback.png" /></a></div><br />The seller posted this excerpt from a <a href="http://mtr.arcade-museum.com/MTR-1926-82-22/MTR-1926-82-22-113.pdf">Bruno ad:</a> "It has 8-inch heavy laminated maple shell (9/16" thick) in dark mahogany finish with fancy color wood inlaid strip around rim, 16 nickel-plated brackets, heavy U grooved nickelplated straining hoop, three-piece neck in dark mahogany finish, headpiece inlaid with fancy pearl ornament and name "Glee Club" in imitation ivory. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-757YENZ6R9Y/UDl7-t6MSbI/AAAAAAAAAjI/KOB3cGZzR5o/s1600/Glee%2BClub.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="158" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-757YENZ6R9Y/UDl7-t6MSbI/AAAAAAAAAjI/KOB3cGZzR5o/s320/Glee%2BClub.png" /></a></div><br />"Ebonized fingerboard with four pearl position dots, patented nickel-plated friction pegs with white buttons, heavy neck brace. Instrument fitted with quick-detachable convex extension resonator in dark mahogany finish with handsome inlaid ring of fancy colored woods, top edge of wood inlay and celluloid bound, Grover Presto nickel-plated tailpiece."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKCwfkJfnsw/UDl8Izb_Q9I/AAAAAAAAAjU/G_0m73rAHHs/s1600/Glee%2BClub%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="198" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKCwfkJfnsw/UDl8Izb_Q9I/AAAAAAAAAjU/G_0m73rAHHs/s320/Glee%2BClub%2B3.png" /></a></div><br />Interesting, as neither the illustration of the instrument nor the real instrument match the ad description exactly. There are only 12 brackets - nor is there a Grover 'Presto" anywhere in evidence - instead, it's the usual Stromberg-Voisinet shop choice - known now as the 'economy' tailpiece. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-COVDzHxGDiM/UDl-7iGayKI/AAAAAAAAAjw/G6TUVyV5dGs/s1600/Glee%2BClub%2BAd.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="142" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-COVDzHxGDiM/UDl-7iGayKI/AAAAAAAAAjw/G6TUVyV5dGs/s200/Glee%2BClub%2BAd.png" /></a></div><br />Despite the ad being at odds with reality, that inlay on the rim of the resonator is unique, and this headstock is the one that S-V seems to have reserved for their 7" pot models - along with that badge style that we've seen on Wizards. This example sold for $195, a very good price considering condition and rarity. It's exciting for me to have uncovered a new model at this point. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VMBrN2s0WU/UDmEI5R5etI/AAAAAAAAAkM/NyeAJ_AQzwo/s1600/Open%2BBack%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VMBrN2s0WU/UDmEI5R5etI/AAAAAAAAAkM/NyeAJ_AQzwo/s320/Open%2BBack%2B1.png" /></a></div><br />Here's another. An open-back model, blond with a dark double pinstripe - an 8" pot with 12 brackets, dark stained headstock and ebonized fretboard. It's missing any of the inlaid purfling all other S-V open backs we've seen so far have had. It's also the only 8" open back we've seen with 12 tension hooks. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lM_nT49ivXg/UDmETc6K1YI/AAAAAAAAAkY/dDrOh_pNLBM/s1600/S-V%2BBlond%2BOpen%2BBack.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lM_nT49ivXg/UDmETc6K1YI/AAAAAAAAAkY/dDrOh_pNLBM/s320/S-V%2BBlond%2BOpen%2BBack.png" /></a></div><br />OK, it's pretty basic - not a model we've seen before when I posted <a href="http://theukaholic.blogspot.com/2011/08/open-backs-galore.html">this entry</a> on S-V open backs. The seller of this one has been asking $399 USD for weeks. But, with a large missing section of pot cap, $75 is closer to the mark - $150 with a nice vintage soft shell case the seller is also offering.<br /><br />By now, you may be asking - hey, what's with all the steel strings on these ukes? I've been wondering the same thing. Ghastly, eh?<br /><br />Anyway, that's what's new for this week. Next time, back to cataloging the NY manufacturers. Lange is next on the agenda, one of the most prolific manufacturers with a dizzying array of styles, we'll break Lange down into two entries, just so you don't get bored out of your gourds. :D<br /><br />Until then, keep on strumming'... <br />John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-37425204295124921312012-08-18T02:41:00.000-04:002013-12-13T01:15:43.051-05:00Oscar Schmidt Ukes, Old and New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gG86ScCfPQM/UC8phQfYZMI/AAAAAAAAAeM/QEeeG4QDfl4/s1600/Stella%2BHeadstock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="344" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gG86ScCfPQM/UC8phQfYZMI/AAAAAAAAAeM/QEeeG4QDfl4/s400/Stella%2BHeadstock.png" /></a></div><br />Well, I mentioned that I'd quit my job, and naturally, you would think I might have more time to post, but you'd be wrong. I have three clients, added about a month ago, and I'm back to a full work schedule. Ah, well. Happy to be busy with clients I really like.<br /><br />This post is going to be a look at Oscar Schmidt - the defunct "real" one and the current "fake" one.<br /><br />I feel it's kind of important to do this because Oscar Schmidt was a company that introduced hundreds of thousands of Americans to music. They built cheap, durable instruments including autoharps, guitars, ukes and banjo ukes under the brand names of Stella, La Scala and Sovereign, and built no-names for several department stores and <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uk7Dy9vdbI/UC8xdlGB96I/AAAAAAAAAfY/TkfPQKcQL7M/s1600/Sovereign%2Bwith%2BTone%2BRing.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="245" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uk7Dy9vdbI/UC8xdlGB96I/AAAAAAAAAfY/TkfPQKcQL7M/s400/Sovereign%2Bwith%2BTone%2BRing.png" /></a></div>music stores. Like many others in the 20s and 30s, Doc Watson received a Stella as his first guitar. But Oscar Schmidt went bankrupt, like many firms, in the 30s. They sold off their Stella, Sovereign and La Scala lines in 1939 to Harmony, which continued to sell Stellas door-to-door until 1965, but Oscar Schmidt had ceased to be long before that. Gone.<br /><br />So, why is there still a company called Oscar Schmidt out there? Caveat Emptor. DO Not confuse the Oscar Schmidt that operated out of Jersey City with the current manufacturer of the same name: <a href="http://www.oscarschmidt.com/">http://www.oscarschmidt.com/</a> The fact is, the name, lying unused, was picked up by US Music Corporation, and there are now all kinds of Schmidt ukuleles out there, all of them new, many of them quite good, but none of them having ANYTHING to do with the old firm. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sV1VOuYhI2w/UC8x6sSveZI/AAAAAAAAAfs/D86Wkqz0hOE/s1600/Sovereign%2BBack.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sV1VOuYhI2w/UC8x6sSveZI/AAAAAAAAAfs/D86Wkqz0hOE/s320/Sovereign%2BBack.png" /></a></div>The fact that their website implies that the company founded in 1871 is the same as the current firm should give you a lesson in "Classic Brand Marketing". Look at the new Pabst Blue Ribbon (not the same company as the old one, just the same trademark), or Gretsch guitars and ukuleles (a sub-brand of Fender, and not the same as the original firm out of Brooklyn, NY). Both brands died out decades ago and then, were bought up or taken over by other firms so they could acquire a brand with a ready-made reputation. It's all about a marketing short-cut, and it works. I don't know how many times I've had a knowledgeable musician tell me about how Oscar Schmidt ukes have a great heritage because their shop has been in operation since 1871. Not. remotely. true.<br /><br />OK, enough rant. What are the earmarks of Schmidt banjo ukes? They're pretty recognizable. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8A5Ii0W4n_M/UC8ta5R-ScI/AAAAAAAAAek/QBJLRckYkOM/s1600/Stella%2BCrackle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8A5Ii0W4n_M/UC8ta5R-ScI/AAAAAAAAAek/QBJLRckYkOM/s320/Stella%2BCrackle.png" /></a></div><br /><b>Headstock </b>- headstocks are like fingerprints - and Schmidt's was a three-pointed headstock similar to the one that Martin has always used on their ukes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WZ-ZxDynAA/UC8uxthN65I/AAAAAAAAAfI/poVYZc6AE0Y/s1600/Stella%2Bpot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="118" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WZ-ZxDynAA/UC8uxthN65I/AAAAAAAAAfI/poVYZc6AE0Y/s320/Stella%2Bpot.png" /></a></div><br /><b>Neck and heel</b> - Schmidt's have a very distinctive square heel. No one else did this, to my knowledge. This is a great indicator you've got a Schmidt banjo uke. Where the headstock and neck meet, the carving forms a letter 'v' with curved sides. MOP markers are on the fifth, seventh and tenth frets.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_i2uIwr3a1o/UC8uDtAfOOI/AAAAAAAAAew/MTNcyf82Ick/s1600/Banded%2BStella%2BPot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_i2uIwr3a1o/UC8uDtAfOOI/AAAAAAAAAew/MTNcyf82Ick/s320/Banded%2BStella%2BPot.png" /></a></div><b>Pot</b> - depending on the model, Schmidt's pots vary in features, but the construction is almost always light and on the thin side. In the very cheapest of Stellas and Schmidts - those with only eight tension hooks, that pot laminate is about a third of an inch in thickness and reinforced with two chrome bands. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ7Yrsqw-Ck/UC82VTE9UTI/AAAAAAAAAg0/NOTVYKlWBBI/s1600/Schmidt%2BDowel.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ7Yrsqw-Ck/UC82VTE9UTI/AAAAAAAAAg0/NOTVYKlWBBI/s320/Schmidt%2BDowel.png" /></a></div>Very light - and you'll notice, often no longer circular after 80 years of being under tension. On Sovereigns, when clear-finished, the thicker pot has two dark double pinstripes and a chrome tone ring that wraps over the top of the pot and halfway down the side - very similar to a Bacon Silver Bell. You can find a Sovereign in the second and third photos from the top in this post. Sovereigns and the better model Stellas have 12 tension hooks. All Schmidts have basic hex-shaped shoes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ds7-V3YFmQ/UC8yj5Fhe5I/AAAAAAAAAf4/eq6lATa67i0/s1600/Sovereign.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="216" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ds7-V3YFmQ/UC8yj5Fhe5I/AAAAAAAAAf4/eq6lATa67i0/s320/Sovereign.png" /></a></div><br /><b>Finish</b> - variable, but distinctive. Schmidt commonly used crackle finish, which was a fairly unique choice, as pictured in this Sovreign here. They also used clear finishes commonly, and frequently used paint. Russet red is very common, but so is black, with green and blue being rare, but wonderfully bright. Pearloid is uncommon, but is seen on the fretboard sometimes and rarely on the headstock.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-1wj_raZ7Y/UC8zIPry4WI/AAAAAAAAAgE/L5kdr64W574/s1600/Schmidt%2BBack.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-1wj_raZ7Y/UC8zIPry4WI/AAAAAAAAAgE/L5kdr64W574/s320/Schmidt%2BBack.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsbU20_RdTE/UC8zS2h-PZI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/8WKqaaisNdc/s1600/Resonator%2Bmodel%2BSchmidt.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="143" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsbU20_RdTE/UC8zS2h-PZI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/8WKqaaisNdc/s320/Resonator%2Bmodel%2BSchmidt.png" /></a></div><br /><b>Resonators</b> - not that common, but when present, they are open resonators without a flange. On resonator models, Schmidt used a unique circular design on the back - pictured here and on the Green model below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sE7MKT8nDk/UC82vqbQcSI/AAAAAAAAAhA/YedN2weoMRI/s1600/Stella%2BDowels.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="215" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sE7MKT8nDk/UC82vqbQcSI/AAAAAAAAAhA/YedN2weoMRI/s320/Stella%2BDowels.png" /></a></div><b>Dowel</b> - on Stellas and Sovereigns, often the brand is cold-stamped into the dowel (as you can see in the third photo in this post), but not always. And on Schmidt no-names, there's...well, no name. I have never seen a La Scala, but one assumes that they were likely branded on the dowel, as well as the headstock.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvWP8NKHpHs/UC8zxb-y5FI/AAAAAAAAAgc/i58-3IufXPw/s1600/Green%2BStella.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvWP8NKHpHs/UC8zxb-y5FI/AAAAAAAAAgc/i58-3IufXPw/s320/Green%2BStella.png" /></a></div>Often, you'll see the brand-name Stella embossed into the headstock and painted. Sometimes, you'll see the brand-name, Sovereign, on a headstock plate. What you will NEVER see is the name Oscar Schmidt on the headstock. They never branded their instruments with the firm's name. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMFJETYuZj0/UC80DmK2QnI/AAAAAAAAAgo/UN4gDr4yW0M/s1600/Green%2BStella%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="274" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMFJETYuZj0/UC80DmK2QnI/AAAAAAAAAgo/UN4gDr4yW0M/s400/Green%2BStella%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />How are Schmidts to play? I've only played one, the thin pot, banded model. Bottom line, this one was not great. The neck was slightly twisted and the pot was out of circular, and it was poorly set up with very high action. I long to play one that's in good shape or well restored. I had a Stella guitar years ago and, though clearly not a Martin, it had a great feel and distinctive twangy tone to it and was a joy to play. I expect one of the instruments that you see here, especially this "Emerald City" belonging to Jake at the Wildwood Flower, must be a lot of fun to play.<br /><br />That's all for now, as it's getting late. Until next time...keep on strumming.<br /><br />John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-69010480021098701592012-06-20T17:06:00.000-04:002012-06-20T17:06:55.535-04:00Albert Houdlett and Sons<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBZBpvL7XTc/T-IuZNJfeSI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/VI_ps5JVEhc/s1600/Lynbrook%2BAd.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="146" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBZBpvL7XTc/T-IuZNJfeSI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/VI_ps5JVEhc/s400/Lynbrook%2BAd.png" /></a><br /><br />It's the first day to crack 90 degrees here in NYC - it feels like about 97 out there, so everyone is hunkered down, staying in the air conditioning. As long as I'm stuck indoors, I thought I'd put a spotlight on a New York City banjo ukulele manufacturer whose products have suddenly been coming up for sale with some frequency.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWqQ7mj_P-g/T-ItVJ8PIyI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Jl69Or7Elgc/s1600/Nu-Way%2Bbanjo%2Buke.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="236" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWqQ7mj_P-g/T-ItVJ8PIyI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Jl69Or7Elgc/s320/Nu-Way%2Bbanjo%2Buke.png" /></a><br /><br />I'm not talking about the more well-known makers of William Lange, Fred Gretsch or Bruno NY, but the Albert Houdlett & Sons Drum and Banjo Company of Brooklyn. Founded in 1865, Houdlett was actually one of the busiest and most profitable banjo and drum manufacturers in New York, and they stayed in business until forced to close their doors in 1930, presumeably as a result of the depression. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zACYWkTXDAg/T-I2x5w2UCI/AAAAAAAAAd0/DWWaDhDZaPo/s1600/Nu%2BWay%2Bopenback%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zACYWkTXDAg/T-I2x5w2UCI/AAAAAAAAAd0/DWWaDhDZaPo/s320/Nu%2BWay%2Bopenback%2B3.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Houdlett made several lines of banjo, Nu-Way, Nu-Art and Lynbrook (which, of course you noticed, is a transliteration of Brooklyn). At the height of the banjo uke craze, Houdlett was producing banjo ukes under all three lines, and but their differences aren't always obvious or consistent. It seems that Nu-Way was the cheapest line, with Lynbrook topping the lines in quality and price. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKhLjXykkJw/T-IuREJ9OII/AAAAAAAAAcE/aoPjPxNJqHQ/s1600/Nu-Way%2Bback.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="177" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKhLjXykkJw/T-IuREJ9OII/AAAAAAAAAcE/aoPjPxNJqHQ/s400/Nu-Way%2Bback.png" /></a><br /><br />Above and here are a few shots of two Nu-Way open back ukuleles. There<br />s one with 12-brackets and it's painted white and a second has 16 brackets and appears to be stained maple. Several Nu-Ways, including closed-back and resonator-backed models, have come up for sale in the last year, with three moving on eBay this June, going for between $42 (in bad shape) to $129 in fair condition. It's rare to find Houdlett banjo ukes in good to excellent condition. I don't think they were babied - they seem to have been played and used to the point of disrepair. Still, they are well-made instruments, sturdy and tough.<br /><br />They share a few features that make it easy to spot them, and yet, these features are remarkably inconsistent, nor do Houdletts always carry a label or maker's plate - making it frustrating to identify them on occasion.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNGHFPrLKi4/T-Iurr9GCEI/AAAAAAAAAcc/uYYiIkzHOvc/s1600/Nu-Way.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="321" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNGHFPrLKi4/T-Iurr9GCEI/AAAAAAAAAcc/uYYiIkzHOvc/s400/Nu-Way.png" /></a><br /><br />They share a few features that make it easy to spot them, and yet, these features aren't always consistent, no do they always carry a label or maker's plate - making it frustrating to identify them on occasion.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CpjNe1Rs5I/T-IvHPskr9I/AAAAAAAAAco/5Ff_0roBs5E/s1600/Nu-Way%2BOpen.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="191" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CpjNe1Rs5I/T-IvHPskr9I/AAAAAAAAAco/5Ff_0roBs5E/s400/Nu-Way%2BOpen.png" /></a><br /><br />The distinctive Nu-Way headstock is shown here, with both a name plate on this white-painted openback, and a decal on this larger, 16-bracket Nu-Way model.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXEJorXKKGo/T-I2TLJIN3I/AAAAAAAAAdo/8JJER6JhUe8/s1600/Nu-Way%2Bopen%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="209" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXEJorXKKGo/T-I2TLJIN3I/AAAAAAAAAdo/8JJER6JhUe8/s320/Nu-Way%2Bopen%2B2.png" /></a><br /><br />Houdletts also often have MOP fret position markers, but not always. When they do appear, they're found - uniquely - on the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th or, as is more typical, at the 5th, 7th, 10th and 12th frets. You'll also note another of the common features of Houdlett ukes - the long heel. Like everything about Houdlett, it varies, from 2.5 to nearly 4 inches long, but always very rounded, another distinguishing mark, along with the headstock.<br /><br />But, sadly, that headstock isn't consistent either from model to model. Here's a Nu-Art with a three-pointed headstock similar to that of a Gretsch or a Martin. And, on occasion, you'll see Houdlett banjo ukes with a nearly square headstock.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5lgfAZTYcF8/T-IyXqslJTI/AAAAAAAAAc4/cZEHVTL8ISg/s1600/Nu-Art.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="393" width="164" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5lgfAZTYcF8/T-IyXqslJTI/AAAAAAAAAc4/cZEHVTL8ISg/s400/Nu-Art.png" /></a><br /><br />Interestingly, though you can only see a glimpse of it - the closed-back Nu-Art pictured here has portholes or grommets that you usually associate with the Gretsch Clarophone banjo and banjo uke, and often, these Nu-Arts are mistaken for Gretsches. That's not surprising when you consider that Friedrich Gretsch was employed by Houdlett beginning some time after he arrived from Germany in 1873, and he served under Houdlett for several years, rising to the position of foreman before striking out on his own to found the company that bore his name in the 1883. Even the headstock is similar to the Gretsch headstock, - though the Gretsch banjo uke headstocks all have a pronounced semicircular keel on the back, unlike the Houdlett headstock.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bTzO9UvHN4/T-I0VttZf-I/AAAAAAAAAdE/TyyOnoXSGEc/s1600/Nu-way%2Bresonator.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bTzO9UvHN4/T-I0VttZf-I/AAAAAAAAAdE/TyyOnoXSGEc/s320/Nu-way%2Bresonator.png" /></a><br />Finally, here's a Houdlett Nu-Way with a resonator. As you can see, the headstock is similar to the Nu-Art above and unlike the other Nu-Ways pictured. These all come from the mid to late 20's, so the inconsistency within the same model line is odd, but there it is...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68UGkoMCMtk/T-I0ukMOOuI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/9zgRTYKUWB8/s1600/Nu-Way%2Bresonator%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68UGkoMCMtk/T-I0ukMOOuI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/9zgRTYKUWB8/s320/Nu-Way%2Bresonator%2B2.png" /></a><br /><br />The resonator has no flange, and attaches in the center with a bolt that goes through the dowel. This particular one requires a lot of work, like most of Houdlett's surviving ukes seem to. <br /><br />One note: clearly, you can see in the photos of the white Nu-Way that the action is unplayably high and there's what looks to be a 5/8" banjo bridge holding up the strings. If anyone out there is thinking of restoring a banjo uke, let that photo serve as a potent "What not to do." Please folks, that action should be low. I like the strings at the first fret to be able to keep a business card inserted between strings and fret wire in place. And those three-foot bridges don't work nearly as well, nor sand down as well, as two-foot bridges or the two-footers with central ebony supports. I have a whole box of three-foot bridges useless for banjo ukes that will go on eBay one of these days.<br /><br />In summary, Houdletts are cheap and seem to be coming up for sale with more frequency. They're very affordable, but require a lot of work to get them into good nick, meaning new brackets, vellums, bridges, nut, and other essentials. But, they represent what was one of Brooklyn's most important music companies for many years.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrX_QHCSAeg/T-I1wZA1vGI/AAAAAAAAAdc/1IH2H_OpdrI/s1600/Nu%2BWay%2Bresonator%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrX_QHCSAeg/T-I1wZA1vGI/AAAAAAAAAdc/1IH2H_OpdrI/s400/Nu%2BWay%2Bresonator%2B3.png" /></a><br />Next time, more on one of the New-York-based manufacturers and still more to come of the remaining models of Stromberg-Voisinet ukes. Until then, happy strumming, and keep cool...<br /><br /><br />John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-73464682607725696602012-06-07T00:17:00.000-04:002012-06-13T15:08:03.712-04:00The Dumber They Come...Well - turns out that Google has seen fit to revise their Blogger platform without any warning - which has resulted in a couple of draft posts disappearing and at least one follower, the extremely knowledgeable Terry Dennis, disappearing and having his subscription cancelled. Please, if any of you have experienced a similar loss of subscription, please let me know. I don't know that I can get it fixed, but I want to try.<br /><br />In recent news, I left my job. It wasn't working out and to maintain some sanity, I had to leave. I feel about a million times better, and I've had about 12 interviews in the last three weeks, so that's been actually very good.<br /><br />I've also had time to post a few pieces on You Tube. You might enjoy this one, "The Dumber They Come", a tune that Eddie Cantor introduced in 1920 at the Ziegfeld Follies. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3iVsJ-WWL8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3iVsJ-WWL8</a><br />I use a number of Formby-style strums here - notably, the triple, the split stroke and the fan. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EiLnKUybDyI/T9Ap7xjj2HI/AAAAAAAAAbY/71LRa8_HvAo/s1600/Blog%2Bshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="233" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EiLnKUybDyI/T9Ap7xjj2HI/AAAAAAAAAbY/71LRa8_HvAo/s320/Blog%2Bshot.png" /></a> I also use a thumb strum under the vocals. I use a double-time strum a lot, not a Formby strum per se.<br /><br />I'm playing my Gibson UB2, which is a joy to play. The action is low, perfect for Formby style playing, and despite being built in the mid-20's, this uke is in great shape aside of a few minor dings and a repaired crack in the heel. At $480, this uke was a bargain, and probably the best value in Gibson UBs. It's got the sound of the much more expensive UB3, but it's routinely selling at auction for between $450 and $600, about half to 1/3 the cost of its more ornate big brother.<br /><br />This is the first video I've done that got picked up by UkeToob, so I'm pretty excited about that. :) If you want to see it there, you can at: <a href="http://uketoob.com/2012/06/04/mrjnobianchi-the-dumber-they-come/">http://uketoob.com/2012/06/04/mrjnobianchi-the-dumber-they-come/</a><br /><br />Anyway, until next time...John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-73299202603055270382012-03-21T21:53:00.002-04:002015-02-27T12:23:44.904-05:00Buster Brown & Tige<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tbpxpU_rIE/T2p_tlyIZnI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/HTeHscmPXok/s1600/Buster%2Band%2BTige.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tbpxpU_rIE/T2p_tlyIZnI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/HTeHscmPXok/s400/Buster%2Band%2BTige.png" height="400" width="194" /></a></div>Our friend David Shenkman - who put together the GREAT <a href="http://www.banjoukes.com/">Banjo Ukulele Haven</a> page - has found the only photos I've seen of this uke with the Buster Brown shoes logo on the vellum. It's a great find, and everyone I know who finds this type - even without the logo on the vellum - refers to it as "the Buster Brown" due to this association. As David points out, this was a promotional version of the model, created to help sell Buster Brown shoes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyrqo8gObHk/T2p_9siyxmI/AAAAAAAAAaE/8psOgnciBRQ/s1600/Buster%2Band%2BTige2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyrqo8gObHk/T2p_9siyxmI/AAAAAAAAAaE/8psOgnciBRQ/s320/Buster%2Band%2BTige2.png" height="320" width="258" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />It's a truly handsome ukulele, and though not as heavily decorated at the Rose, I think it's the most attractive that Stromberg-Voisinet produced. So what makes the Buster Brown unique? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGnXT7--Q3c/T2qAPtDrCdI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/4bE6u9lb6fg/s1600/Buster%2Band%2BTige3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGnXT7--Q3c/T2qAPtDrCdI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/4bE6u9lb6fg/s320/Buster%2Band%2BTige3.png" height="127" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Well, its not the pot, five-piece neck and fretboard, which are actually identical to the Rose's - and as you'll see, they were made with a plain fretboard and headstock with no logo - or made with the signature S-V Pearloid treatment and white celluloid fretboard binding.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PLEYD9J5r4/T2qBPCXhQxI/AAAAAAAAAac/BommpwNrJgo/s1600/Buster%2BElton%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PLEYD9J5r4/T2qBPCXhQxI/AAAAAAAAAac/BommpwNrJgo/s320/Buster%2BElton%2B4.png" height="198" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />So - it has to be that resonator and that chrome flange with portholes that's special. And notice how the pot of the uke actually sits directly against the flange - that's not only unique among S-V ukes, but also very rare amongst all kinds of banjos.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-boa_HFVHBbs/T2qB5SRtqxI/AAAAAAAAAa0/FfGHCCqDNtM/s1600/Buster%2BElton%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-boa_HFVHBbs/T2qB5SRtqxI/AAAAAAAAAa0/FfGHCCqDNtM/s320/Buster%2BElton%2B3.png" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>You'll also notice from this shot how much larger this resonator is than on any other model of S-V banjo uke. It's a good three inches larger in diameter. Also - note that it was made with a purfling ring on the back and also in a three-piece style enclosing inlay as seen in the topmost of these two examples of the instrument.<br /><br />Just recently, a Buster Brown (sans logo) came up on eBay that showed just how the resonator attaches - note the block that serves as the spacer. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yRIGPRuZsAI/T2qBlfqedGI/AAAAAAAAAao/LTEu84oiCoY/s1600/Buster%2BElton%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yRIGPRuZsAI/T2qBlfqedGI/AAAAAAAAAao/LTEu84oiCoY/s320/Buster%2BElton%2B1.png" height="244" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Also note that the brand name 'Elton' is stamped into the flange in the place that would normally be placed under the heel. We've got to thank the seller for not attaching the resonator right to show us that detail.<br /><br />Elton is the Chicago-based company that made capos for ukuleles, banjos and guitars in the twenties and thirties, but here, their logo on the flange seems to indicate that that Elton manufactured the flange for Stromberg-Voisinet. &nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iM87I_vE-50/T2qEU3MhIQI/AAAAAAAAAbA/uBiQVdluy90/s1600/Buster%2BBrown%2BElton%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iM87I_vE-50/T2qEU3MhIQI/AAAAAAAAAbA/uBiQVdluy90/s320/Buster%2BBrown%2BElton%2B2.png" height="210" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />There's also a version of the flange made for the "Buster Brown" that has a raised 'grommet' around each resonator hole; whether that version was manufactured by Elton, I can't say yet.<br /><br />We have a few more styles of S-V uke to cover here, but next time - onto something a little different. Until then - keep on strumming.John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-10964573329652549842012-03-04T21:32:00.001-05:002012-03-06T15:13:03.985-05:00John T: Banjo Ukulele HeroI wanted to take a minute to note the passing of John Thompson - John T to his customers and friends - to stroke. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTYzOraiGkY/T1QjJRnTG0I/AAAAAAAAAZo/S-HjCLh3mRw/s1600/John%2BT.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="290" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTYzOraiGkY/T1QjJRnTG0I/AAAAAAAAAZo/S-HjCLh3mRw/s400/John%2BT.png" /></a></div>John was from the UK. Here he is on a trip to the New York Ukulele Festival; while here in NYC, he bought a vintage Gibson ukulele at Mandolin Brothers on Staaten Island.<br /><br />There are not that many people who are truly schooled in banjo ukuleles, but John T was one of the most knowledgeable out there. More importantly, he shared his knowledge, freely and happily, with those of us who were trying to learn more or trying to figure out how to set up to produce a great sound or the right action.<br /><br />John's son James broke the news to his friends and acquaintances on Ukulele Cosmos this week. <br /><br />When I was researching Stromberg-Voisinet ukes some years ago, I found John playing his S-V-made Wizard uke on You Tube. He answered my request for info right away and gave more than I asked for. Everyone on the Cosmos tells a similar story. <br /><br />John's Ukulele Shop has been a great resource for new players, and you can find it in my links section at the bottom of each page of this blog.<br /><br />Those who were lucky enough to spend time with him talk about his generosity of time and spirit, but they also talk about how much fun he was to be around.<br /><br />He was 52. Take a moment to lift a glass.John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-59702626689502875112012-02-12T01:12:00.001-05:002012-02-12T01:16:49.164-05:00Stromberg-Voisinet Tenor Banjos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AOqHhD3kBGg/Tzc6s-uS6fI/AAAAAAAAATw/snd1HnBDWn8/s1600/STromberg%2BElectro.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="345" width="244" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AOqHhD3kBGg/Tzc6s-uS6fI/AAAAAAAAATw/snd1HnBDWn8/s400/STromberg%2BElectro.png" /></a></div><br />There's something you notice in this ad from Stromberg-Voisinet - other than the fact that they were electrifying guitars and banjos (!) in 1929, and that's the fact that I've only ever seen these four types of instruments - guitars, parlor guitars/tenor guitars, tenor banjos and banjo ukuleles, but never seen an S-V wooden uke or mandolin. This, even though they started life as the Groeschel mandolin company at the turn of the 20th Century. If you're interested in how Henry Kuhrmeyer offered electric guitars and banjo ukes, read on at <a href="http://www.vintageguitar.com/3657/stromberg-electro/">Vintage Guitar Magazine</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgXyDnli7GU/Tzc-GdSrLJI/AAAAAAAAAT8/USBLuU17bf8/s1600/S-V%2BTenor%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="179" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgXyDnli7GU/Tzc-GdSrLJI/AAAAAAAAAT8/USBLuU17bf8/s400/S-V%2BTenor%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />This ad, which was originally sent to me by my friend Chris Jameson, prompted me to look for tenor banjos with the Stromberg earmarks and decorative features, including a three-lobed headstock, decorative pearloid, purfling, resonator decals, and a recessed resonator attachment, and they appear to be very common, and were likely a big seller for the company. Most interesting is that they're like big versions of the banjo ukes they produced.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xlNvXCgXhI/Tzc_h6RpeeI/AAAAAAAAAUI/fQkO9u3IUQU/s1600/Howard%2BTenor%2B6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="255" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xlNvXCgXhI/Tzc_h6RpeeI/AAAAAAAAAUI/fQkO9u3IUQU/s400/Howard%2BTenor%2B6.png" /></a></div><br /><br />For example, here's their tenor version of the "Rose". This brand, Howard, was sold by Wurlitzer, but clearly, Stromberg-Voisinet supplied the instruments for Howard; an example of a double-jobber.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lp1uQJpSoDY/TzdAeVaBs0I/AAAAAAAAAUU/EM1cUKqCNCk/s1600/Howard%2BTenor%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="120" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lp1uQJpSoDY/TzdAeVaBs0I/AAAAAAAAAUU/EM1cUKqCNCk/s200/Howard%2BTenor%2B2.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Note the same russet-stained walnut, the rose decal, the same chrome recess that holds the attachment screw, and the five-piece neck, in common with the Rose banjo uke. The family lineage is pretty clear in these full-size tenors.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUgP434NLWo/TzdC572kj9I/AAAAAAAAAVE/RFPni8vWfAo/s1600/Howard%2BTenor%2B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="141" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUgP434NLWo/TzdC572kj9I/AAAAAAAAAVE/RFPni8vWfAo/s200/Howard%2BTenor%2B5.png" /></a></div><br />You'll also notice the floral/foliage designs on the metal ring around the pot and on the resonator and bezel ring look very much like the designs on the pot of the Stromberg-Voisinet Crocodile-skin ukuleles.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hihaFFhBJMI/TzdBwr2kA6I/AAAAAAAAAU4/t_4F2CnrslM/s1600/Howard%2BTenor%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="106" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hihaFFhBJMI/TzdBwr2kA6I/AAAAAAAAAU4/t_4F2CnrslM/s200/Howard%2BTenor%2B4.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Also, notice that three-lobed headstock, which is a fairly consistent feature of S-V banjos. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yz2TNEm3PyY/TzdA852Yz6I/AAAAAAAAAUg/b5md72rf8zc/s1600/Howard%2BTenor%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="142" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yz2TNEm3PyY/TzdA852Yz6I/AAAAAAAAAUg/b5md72rf8zc/s200/Howard%2BTenor%2B3.png" /></a></div><br />You can also find, in the fretboard MOP marker, the S-V diamond logo. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAVEzvI6F1s/TzdBh_2x0xI/AAAAAAAAAUs/d6SgJHkhtUc/s1600/Howard%2BTenor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAVEzvI6F1s/TzdBh_2x0xI/AAAAAAAAAUs/d6SgJHkhtUc/s200/Howard%2BTenor.png" /></a></div><br />When the company became Kay, they apparently continued to use the necks/headstocks, <br />hardware and <br />flanges that they had in stock, and then began to develop other headstocks and flanges, so you'll see these headlock and flange designs on Kay banjos from the 30s and even beyond. Here's a flange design common to both Kay and S-V productions.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcSgtPyKn6s/TzdDPd1mNjI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/o3yCLg6BShQ/s1600/Clarion%2B.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="182" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcSgtPyKn6s/TzdDPd1mNjI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/o3yCLg6BShQ/s320/Clarion%2B.png" /></a></div><br />Here's a Clarion - which uses the same lousy decal that we saw on the Clarion banjo uke - it's even affixed sloppily, just as we saw on the Clarion that Allen Harris had for sale some months back. Clearly, the folks at Clarion were more concerned with moving their instruments out the door quickly, but the name can't disguise the origin of the instrument: same headstock, same flange, same company.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxcQ48GGr40/TzdDq-2cbBI/AAAAAAAAAVc/COn4IiGlS98/s1600/Clarion%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxcQ48GGr40/TzdDq-2cbBI/AAAAAAAAAVc/COn4IiGlS98/s200/Clarion%2B2.png" /></a></div><br /><br />These tuners, very simple and inexpensive looking, may have been fitted at Clarion's request. You'll notice that Grover geared tuners, including the excellent pancake tuners, are apparent on the other examples shown elsewhere in the entry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8CfVD1qjbs/TzdEUmVKrjI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Z1tBsw1_re0/s1600/Clarion%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="128" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8CfVD1qjbs/TzdEUmVKrjI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Z1tBsw1_re0/s200/Clarion%2B3.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Here's a version of the Rose decal again, and this Clarion almost looks like a cheaper version of the Rose made for Howard/Wurlitzer above - three-piece instead of five-piece neck - with a sunburst finish on the resonator.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are a few additional banjos, all show the trademark headstock and other S-V features.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgqO9nTFrSg/TzdIjE5daKI/AAAAAAAAAV0/CO1eEwf3HUA/s1600/Conqueror%2B.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="113" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgqO9nTFrSg/TzdIjE5daKI/AAAAAAAAAV0/CO1eEwf3HUA/s200/Conqueror%2B.png" /></a></div><br />Conqueror - not one I've seen before, but very nice inlay work on the headstock script. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPddmHXdwzs/TzdJwCAsDBI/AAAAAAAAAWA/bwc8xjBTGlc/s1600/Conqueror%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPddmHXdwzs/TzdJwCAsDBI/AAAAAAAAAWA/bwc8xjBTGlc/s200/Conqueror%2B4.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />As you'll see, its a tenor banjo version of the banjo uke Style 1 "Black Beauty". It even has the same kind of turned resonator.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lcVqoC_7u8/TzdJ_E_M9PI/AAAAAAAAAWM/zrxdG53hLTk/s1600/Conqueror%2B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="176" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lcVqoC_7u8/TzdJ_E_M9PI/AAAAAAAAAWM/zrxdG53hLTk/s200/Conqueror%2B5.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xCD6NN1OXY/TzdKQVdcEWI/AAAAAAAAAWY/A89uJBylkX8/s1600/Conqueror%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="110" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xCD6NN1OXY/TzdKQVdcEWI/AAAAAAAAAWY/A89uJBylkX8/s200/Conqueror%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />Even though the pot on this banjo uke is chrome-clad, you'll see the Style 1 purfling still makes its way into the mix, but around the resonator outer edge. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVeMs9K0kcw/TzdLYmWtReI/AAAAAAAAAWw/hGetzLmo3eU/s1600/Conqueror%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="106" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVeMs9K0kcw/TzdLYmWtReI/AAAAAAAAAWw/hGetzLmo3eU/s320/Conqueror%2B3.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1QKjURVOlg/TzdNlyuHCVI/AAAAAAAAAW8/fhYhLcvjhXY/s1600/S-V%2BTenor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="202" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1QKjURVOlg/TzdNlyuHCVI/AAAAAAAAAW8/fhYhLcvjhXY/s400/S-V%2BTenor.png" /></a></div><br />Here's a Stromberg-Voisinet banjo sold under its own name - note the label from the inside of the pot, which offers instructions on how to use the S-V coordinator rod, which replaces the dowel seen on the other banjos in this entry. It's very similar to the coordinator rod patented by Gibson, as you can see in the second photo.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ND9sutWUTcY/TzdN1C3LBgI/AAAAAAAAAXI/3rMT5yqWgRo/s1600/S-V%2BTenor%2B8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="124" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ND9sutWUTcY/TzdN1C3LBgI/AAAAAAAAAXI/3rMT5yqWgRo/s200/S-V%2BTenor%2B8.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGT9Kazmzs4/TzdODO45ZsI/AAAAAAAAAXU/xd3Q0YUQ7FU/s1600/S-V%2BTenor%2B7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="184" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGT9Kazmzs4/TzdODO45ZsI/AAAAAAAAAXU/xd3Q0YUQ7FU/s200/S-V%2BTenor%2B7.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTd6mO2CaTs/TzdOmB3hAtI/AAAAAAAAAXg/by9pOxF9UCc/s1600/S-V%2BTenor%2B6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="188" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTd6mO2CaTs/TzdOmB3hAtI/AAAAAAAAAXg/by9pOxF9UCc/s400/S-V%2BTenor%2B6.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This one has an interesting resonator back decal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kSAPKMg5H0/TzdQNjvFU9I/AAAAAAAAAXs/A2EwjLMe4C0/s1600/S-V%2BTenor%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kSAPKMg5H0/TzdQNjvFU9I/AAAAAAAAAXs/A2EwjLMe4C0/s320/S-V%2BTenor%2B3.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Geared tuners, five-piece neck.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdgo1BLWgDU/TzdQh7x8SPI/AAAAAAAAAX4/FxBCHHcnwhU/s1600/S-V%2BTenor%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="140" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdgo1BLWgDU/TzdQh7x8SPI/AAAAAAAAAX4/FxBCHHcnwhU/s200/S-V%2BTenor%2B4.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Below is a Stromberg-Voisinet with a Wilson Brothers decal in the resonator - just as we've seen before in this blog with the Wilson Brothers-labeled style one and style four ukes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hlkbq02Kuhg/TzdScPzOP8I/AAAAAAAAAYE/VM3ZBeqNI6I/s1600/Wilson%2BBros%2BTenor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="138" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hlkbq02Kuhg/TzdScPzOP8I/AAAAAAAAAYE/VM3ZBeqNI6I/s200/Wilson%2BBros%2BTenor.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DK6BZMTSTdw/TzdSrNHuy1I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Jng7-Q53SFg/s1600/Wilson%2BBrothers%2BTenor%2B7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="296" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DK6BZMTSTdw/TzdSrNHuy1I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Jng7-Q53SFg/s320/Wilson%2BBrothers%2BTenor%2B7.png" /></a></div><br />This banjo has the same resonator assembly and pot with chrome ring that we saw on the 7" Wizard banjo ukes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Er8fe-hqEg/TzdTXOVyioI/AAAAAAAAAYc/hdFjIDAgM5E/s1600/Wilson%2BBrothers%2BTenor%2B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="172" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Er8fe-hqEg/TzdTXOVyioI/AAAAAAAAAYc/hdFjIDAgM5E/s200/Wilson%2BBrothers%2BTenor%2B5.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omyLUSSUKVM/TzdTgXxyCwI/AAAAAAAAAYo/ForCoFuKoY4/s1600/Wilson%2BBrothers%2BTenor%2B6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omyLUSSUKVM/TzdTgXxyCwI/AAAAAAAAAYo/ForCoFuKoY4/s200/Wilson%2BBrothers%2BTenor%2B6.png" /></a></div><br />Another unique resonator decal on this example. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Finally, I've thrown in some pictures of a Stromberg-Voisinet Key-Chord, a sort of push-button banjo from the 20's, built for the person who played guitar and didn't want to lean the fundamentals of tenor tuning. Oddly, it seems more difficult to get good at this instrument than it does to get good at a tenor, but hey, they must've sold quite a few of them to make them worth building. The mechanics of this instrument are interesting. I'd seen one deconstructed once...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6yQKge9_84/TzdU9q_lKKI/AAAAAAAAAY0/EOQEIayNJvM/s1600/Keychord%2B.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6yQKge9_84/TzdU9q_lKKI/AAAAAAAAAY0/EOQEIayNJvM/s400/Keychord%2B.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yA_Vkigrhqw/TzdVMqerS9I/AAAAAAAAAZA/4JLHeBypN58/s1600/Keychord%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="112" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yA_Vkigrhqw/TzdVMqerS9I/AAAAAAAAAZA/4JLHeBypN58/s200/Keychord%2B2.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzhSduyEnFI/TzdVWnq0zyI/AAAAAAAAAZM/CUlvNx3Q2AE/s1600/Keychord%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="147" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzhSduyEnFI/TzdVWnq0zyI/AAAAAAAAAZM/CUlvNx3Q2AE/s200/Keychord%2B3.png" /></a></div><br />Here's the panel of chord buttons. You depress the chord you want, and a template descends on the machinery of linkages, depressing the string and pressing it against the fretless fretboard. I've never played one, but there have been three on Ebay in the last two years, including one that never seems to move that's for sale right now. So you have a shot at it! :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg_o_m-rB7A/TzdVoLCo9PI/AAAAAAAAAZY/u1iFuJBWx5I/s1600/Keychord%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="279" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg_o_m-rB7A/TzdVoLCo9PI/AAAAAAAAAZY/u1iFuJBWx5I/s320/Keychord%2B4.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />I realize there's nothing TRULY uke oriented here, but I couldn't resist showing the big brother of our little banjo ukes since the family resemblance is so strong - and the same situation of misidentification or no identification follows these particular S-V instruments as well.<br /><br />OK - I realize this entry may feel a bit like your uncle's slides of his trip down Route 66, so next time - I'll be back on ukuleles and the blog will be a bit shorter. ;)<br /><br />That's it for now. Until next time, keep on strumming'John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913214411507994057.post-90385753569865551592012-01-22T16:22:00.005-05:002012-02-12T01:19:54.152-05:00Prince Wong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZpQtJCv-9c/TxxZBZ9JByI/AAAAAAAAARY/-XEGmexr5wc/s1600/Prince%2BWong%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZpQtJCv-9c/TxxZBZ9JByI/AAAAAAAAARY/-XEGmexr5wc/s400/Prince%2BWong%2B1.JPG" /></a></div><br />One of the holy grail instruments for me is a Martin 2 from the 20s. I've always loved the sound of Martin ukes. I bought a Martin 0 from the 60s back in 1993 and loved it so much, I never really felt the need for buying another soprano uke for another 18 years. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj-eTItpC_c/Txxj_R8NZpI/AAAAAAAAARk/8YPcVCJrYXs/s1600/Cliff%2BEdwards.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj-eTItpC_c/Txxj_R8NZpI/AAAAAAAAARk/8YPcVCJrYXs/s320/Cliff%2BEdwards.png" /></a></div><br />But in the back of my mind, I always wanted a style 2. Cliff Edwards had a couple, and so did several other vaudeville acts; perhaps the white binding helped the uke read visually from beyond the first dozen or so rows. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICt0YGoLqX4/Txxme8HG3PI/AAAAAAAAARw/C4ijTEYSopM/s1600/The%2BCook%2BSisters.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="292" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICt0YGoLqX4/Txxme8HG3PI/AAAAAAAAARw/C4ijTEYSopM/s320/The%2BCook%2BSisters.png" /></a></div><br />Here's the Cook Sisters, a vaudeville act from the 20s, which only cut one record (on the B side was "Make My Cot Where the Cot Cot Cotton Grows"; "A Shady Tree" on side A). They have matching Style 2s, and are famous for having had some of their costumes stolen by a young dancer appearing on the bill with them called Lucille "Billie" Le Seur, who within a year was re-christened Joan Crawford.<br /><br />In December, I was trolling Ebay for a Style 2 - there were about 10 on sale and I got one from a pawnshop in Lancaster, CA. It's the one that went for the least - though I think it was most valuable of the lot. As you can see in the photograph, it's got a name painted on it; Prince Wong. It's a dark-stained mahogany number, very dark next to my Style 0. A minor twist in the neck thankfully had no impact on the intonation (complete luck!). The uke needed to have the second fret hammered back in and filed slightly, and although there are a couple of cracks, they're tightly closed on the body, and the fretboard, though showing tiny cracks in a couple of places, is rock-solid. $35 in minor adjustments and the uke was suddenly loud and clear. Different from my Style 0, but no less addictive to play.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MTobBBuRRE/TxxonFXJXdI/AAAAAAAAAR8/-HHwQ7zAtHA/s1600/Prince%2BWong%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MTobBBuRRE/TxxonFXJXdI/AAAAAAAAAR8/-HHwQ7zAtHA/s320/Prince%2BWong%2B3.jpg" /></a></div><br />So who was Prince Wong? I had no idea when I bid on it, but I started looking into it. The great folks over on Ukulele Cosmos had some thoughts, and Victrola Lague - who is herself a serious collector and player of the good stuff - had a couple of cuts for me to hear, including one recording of Prince Wong playing "Somebody's Lonely" on ukulele; perhaps, she mused, he played this very Style 2?: <a href="http://soundcloud.com/mhcrispo/prine-wong-somebodys-lonely?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=raw&utm_content=http://soundcloud.com/mhcrispo/prine-wong-somebodys-lonely">Somebody's Lonely</a><br /><br />J. Boy Shyne came up with a violin cut of Prince Wong's, and Karl in Bruges also came through, with a website for Grass Skirt Records, which gave enough basic information to track Prince Wong: <a href="http://www.grassskirt.co.uk/24.html">Grass Skirt Records</a> This rang a bell for me: "Prince Wong was actually George Prince Louis, born 14 January 1899 in San Luis Obispo, California. He was born into a well-known local family and his father Wong On Ah Louis established a number of businesses in the area, including the renowned Ah Louis Store." <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4E3IQeQmLo/Txxu1KfU10I/AAAAAAAAASI/2_Jlgmj0vRw/s1600/Prince%2BWong%2Band%2BFamily.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="218" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4E3IQeQmLo/Txxu1KfU10I/AAAAAAAAASI/2_Jlgmj0vRw/s320/Prince%2BWong%2Band%2BFamily.png" /></a></div><br />Coincidentally, I had just read about Ah Louis and his role as a labor advocate and agent for Chinese working on the railroads on a recent visit to the Museum of Chinese in America here in NYC. So, armed with this knowledge, I called up the San Luis Obispo County Historical Center and hit paydirt. It turns out that they weren't aware that George Ah Louis was a musician, let alone in show business, but Eve Newman there was kind enough to dig into the Ah Louis family file with her colleagues and unearthed not only George's story, but also photos of him playing different instruments. Here's what I found out through Eve, IMBD and other sources:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bW_ruZm43rU/Txx4SoaBwOI/AAAAAAAAASU/9yJx4quOLG4/s1600/George%2BWong%2BLouis%2BObit.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="317" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bW_ruZm43rU/Txx4SoaBwOI/AAAAAAAAASU/9yJx4quOLG4/s400/George%2BWong%2BLouis%2BObit.png" /></a></div><br />George Ah Louis showed a musical talent early in life - and became a multi-insturmentalist - playing guitar, Hawaiian guitar, tenor banjo, ukulele, and violin - and perhaps other instruments. He had an act called Shanghai to San Francisco in 14 minutes, and, when he made it to the top-flight Orpheum circuit, the act was changed to Shanghai to San Francisco in 10 minutes (Perhaps they gave you less time on the bill the better you got?). As Prince Wong, George enjoyed a long career in vaudeville, radio, and did some recording, though how many sides he cut is unknown. During WWII, he got work playing Japanese Soldiers in the movies under his new stage name "Prince Waln". He also led a Hawaiian band that regularly played Radio City Music Hall here in New York. Later, he was involved in producing TV commercials, teaching music, and other business ventures. His style of banjo playing was apparently very influential, and according to his obituary, so was his Hawaiian Guitar work; He died 20th May, 1993 in Tigard, Oregon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zguJwwlhIBQ/Txx5CRKNPCI/AAAAAAAAASg/AsCTyCm-SYU/s1600/IMG_0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zguJwwlhIBQ/Txx5CRKNPCI/AAAAAAAAASg/AsCTyCm-SYU/s320/IMG_0108.jpg" /></a></div><br />And so, did my Style 2 belong to George Ah Louis? Hard to say. I initially thought, with the signature painted where it is, that to whomever it belonged must have been a lefty, but the uke's original nut and bridge have always been strung for a right-handed player. And Prince Wong was right-handed, as we can see in the photos of him. But, if you were righty, holding the uke in your left hand, that's where you would have painted your name on the lower bout.<br /><br />Nothing's conclusive, but the signature is quite old, hand painted in white (you can see the brushstrokes when you're up close). According to Ukulele Cosmos pal Autumn Leaf, and confirmed by my friend Meghan McGeary (who sometimes plays as Amity Rose), the pictogram in the signature is the name "Huang", which Anglicized is "Wong". The uke is conclusively 1920's, and could certainly have been the one used when Prince Wong cut his records for Pathé in 1926 and afterwards. Or, could it be that he personalized one of his students' or a fan's uke? Well, yes, it could be.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCVwwjdloLk/Txx6_ccRciI/AAAAAAAAATQ/IKXxV_UO68w/s1600/Martin%2B2%2B-%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="236" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCVwwjdloLk/Txx6_ccRciI/AAAAAAAAATQ/IKXxV_UO68w/s320/Martin%2B2%2B-%2B3.png" /></a></div><br /><br />So, while I don't know that it's his, I believe it is. And the Museum in San Luis says that they'd be happy to accept it into their collection someday. I want to hang onto it for a bit, first though. :) In the meantime, I want to share this great piece of Asian-American show business history with people I play for and with. Just being able to hold it in my hand during the time I get to play it makes me feel like I hit the lottery.<br /><br />Next time, I'll have some golden age tenor banjos to show you - 'til then - keep on strumming and picking. :)John Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12440401101082154726noreply@blogger.com6